The Supreme Court on Thursday (19th Dec) stayed the Kerala High Court’s directives regulating elephant usage in temple festivals, deeming them “impractical” and outside the High Court’s authority. This decision grants temporary relief to festival organizers, allowing adherence to the 2012 management rules. Further hearings will address the legality and implications of these restrictions.
Yesterday, On 28th November, the Kerala High Court ruled that Hinduism does not require elephants for festivals, reinforcing that only essential religious practices are constitutionally protected. The court dismissed the Cochin Devaswom Board’s request for a three-meter distancing rule exemption, emphasizing elephant welfare and asserting that non-essential customs must adhere to legal guidelines.
The Kerala High Court has mandated the strict enforcement of the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, addressing elephant welfare during festivals. Key directives include regulated rest periods, transportation restrictions, and shelter requirements. The Court criticized the state’s delays, urged stakeholder collaboration for effective implementation, and emphasized that cultural practices must uphold ethical standards for animal treatment.
