The Kerala High Court on Friday intervened in the ongoing debate surrounding the welfare of captive elephants during temple festivals, seeking a formal response from the State Government and major temple administrations regarding safety protocols for the upcoming Thrissur Pooram.
The intervention follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by V.K. Venkitachalam, a resident of Thrissur, who alleged widespread and recurring violations of existing animal welfare laws during religious festivities. The petition specifically highlights concerns for the iconic Thrissur Pooram, scheduled for April 26.
While a division bench comprising Justice Ziyad Rahman and Justice K.V. Jayakumar admitted the PIL and issued notices to the State of Kerala, as well as the Paramekavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms—the primary organizers of the festival—the court exercised caution regarding immediate directives.
The bench noted that a similar matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court of India. Consequently, the High Court stated it cannot issue fresh directions for the time being to avoid jurisdictional overlap.
The petitioner, represented by Venkitachalam, argued that despite a robust “statutory and executive framework,” elephants continue to endure harsh conditions that contravene the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012, and a specific 2013 government circular.
According to the plea, elephants are routinely subjected to:
- High-Decibel Stress: Exposure to powerful fireworks in dangerously close proximity.
- Crowd Hazards: Being forced to stand in dense crowds without the legally mandated safety distance.
- Heat Exhaustion: Being paraded during peak heat hours, often without adequate rest, food, or water.
The 2013 circular specifically mandates that elephants should not be subjected to conditions causing fear, stress, or injury. The petitioner is seeking the strict enforcement of these existing rules to prevent the “suffering” of the animals during the high-profile cultural event.
The Thrissur Pooram is one of Kerala’s most significant cultural spectacles, traditionally featuring a massive procession of caparisoned elephants. The conflict between traditional practices and animal welfare standards has been a recurring legal flashpoint in the state.
The High Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on May 25, by which time the state and the Devaswoms are expected to file their responses. This date falls after the conclusion of this year’s Thrissur Pooram.
