The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to file its response within two weeks on a petition seeking guidelines for the use of elephants during temple festivals.
The petition was filed by Seva Trust, based in Chennai. It said elephants are commonly used during events such as kumbabishekam and brahmotsavam, and that delays in granting permissions could be reduced by framing standard operating guidelines.
The plea also sought measures to prevent cruelty to elephants and to ensure public safety. It suggested forming district-level monitoring committees to scrutinise and grant approvals.
Among the proposed conditions were obtaining a fitness certificate from a government veterinary doctor and ensuring elephants are given at least eight hours of rest.
A bench comprising Chief Justice S.A. Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan heard the matter and adjourned the case after directing the state to respond within the stipulated time.
