High Court Urges Clarity on Elephant Use in Temple Festivals

The Kerala High Court on Friday sought responses from the state government, along with the Paramekavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms, concerning a Public Interest Litigation addressing the use of elephants in temple festivals, including Thrissur Pooram, slated for April 26.

The bench, comprising Justice Ziyad Rahman and K V Jayakumar, acknowledged a similar case pending in the Supreme Court, forestalling any immediate directive from the High Court. The litigation, initiated by Thrissur resident V K Venkitachalam, highlights violations of a 2013 state circular protecting elephants from stress, injury, and exposure to fireworks.

The plea emphasizes elephants being subject to hazardous conditions during festivals. It calls for a firm implementation of the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, along with the 2013 circular. The court scheduled further deliberations for May 25.