Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday asked various devaswom boards in the state to inform whether use of elephants for festivities and temple rituals is mandatory. The court asked the boards like, Guruvayur Devaswom, Malbar Devaswom, Cochin Devaswom Board and other devaswoms to get opinions of temple tanthris in this regard.
A division bench comprising Justice Thottathil B. Radhak-rishnan and Justice Anu Shivaraman also asked the tanthris to inform their stand before May 25. “Devaswoms should inform whether there is a need to conduct temple festivals using elephants. Events are being conducted showing scant regard to even the human life,” the court observed.
The devaswom bench issued the directive on a suo motu initiated plea. The court, meanwhile, heavily criticised the Guruvayur Devaswom for the ill-treatment meted out to the elephants. Court opined that the devaswom is not taking care of the elephants at Punnathurkotta, an elephant sanctuary. The Kerala High Court observed that devaswom authorities are delaying when statements are sought on the issue of using elephants in temples. The court further observed that the devaswom should monitor the situation. It also asked the various devaswoms to inform the steps taken by them to provide proper care for the elephants.
