The Madras High Court has disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed seeking a direction to the respondents to continue to retain the 9 temple elephants in their respective temples permanently and its care and maintenance.
The PIL filed by one N.Sivaganesan further seeks direction to take all measures in accordance with law for more upkeep in the welfare and maintenance of the temple elephants in the State of Tamil Nadu. The elephants named in the PIL are 1. Moni @ Akila, 2. Pohili Boomadevi, 3. Bhagyawati @ Abirami, 4. Prerona, 5. Joon @ Sundaravalli, 6. Bhogeswari @ Ramalakshmi, 7. Joymala @ Jayamalyatha 8. Makhani@ Sundaravalli Nachiar and 9. Monimala.
It is the case of the petitioner that a video-clipping was circulated alleging harassment caused to an elephant in one of the temples in Tamil Nadu and, hence, the Government of Assam is taking steps to take back the temple elephants gifted by individuals in Assam.
When the petition was taken up for hearing, Additional Advocate General J. Ravindran, appearing on behalf of the respondents, submitted that the respondents have no intention to send the temple elephants back to Assam and that they are taking care of the temple elephants in the best possible manner.
In view of the submission made by Additional Advocate General, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice Sunder Mohan do not find reason to give any further direction to the respondents to take care of the temple elephants.
Accordingly, the High Court disposed of the PIL.