Gauhati High Court Seeks Report On Rehab Of Nine Assam Elephants Held In Tamil Nadu Temples
Joymala was leased in 2011 for a three-year period from Assam to the Srivilliputhur Nachiyar Thirukovil temple in Tamil Nadu but continues to remain in the temple’s custody long after the lease expired. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which was impleaded as a respondent, has urged that Joymala be rehabilitated in a sanctuary where she can live free of chains and in the company of other elephants
Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has directed the High-Powered Committee appointed by the Supreme Court to submit a report on the rehabilitation of nine elephants originally from Assam that remain in captivity at temples in Tamil Nadu.
Justice Devashis Baruah passed the order on a petition filed by the Assam government in September 2022 seeking the release of elephant Joymala. The plea followed public outrage over video evidence showing the animal being severely beaten. Joymala was leased in 2011 for a three-year period from Assam to the Srivilliputhur Nachiyar Thirukovil temple in Tamil Nadu but continues to remain in the temple’s custody long after the lease expired. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, which was impleaded as a respondent, has urged that Joymala be rehabilitated in a sanctuary where she can live free of chains and in the company of other elephants.
PETA India also requested the Gauhati High Court to refer the matter to the High-Powered Committee, an expert body chaired by retired Justice Deepak Verma that adjudicates issues relating to ownership, transfer and rehabilitation of captive elephants. The court referred similar cases involving eight other Assam elephants, whose temporary transfers to Tamil Nadu had also expired, to the same committee.
In addition, the High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to conduct monthly inspections of the facilities housing the nine elephants. Pending final adjudication by the High-Powered Committee, the state has been ordered to seize and rehabilitate any of the elephants found lacking adequate nutrition, medical care or other essential facilities.
Noting that the case originated from media reports and PETA India’s highlighting of Joymala’s alleged mistreatment, the court further directed the High-Powered Committee to give PETA India an opportunity to present its views on the matter.
