Kerala High Court To Frame Guidelines For Prohibiting Cruelty To Elephants Paraded For Temple Festivals And Functions

The Kerala High Court is set to frame guidelines to prohibit cruelty to elephants paraded for festivals and other functions. The Division Bench of Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Gopinath P. directed stakeholders, including elephant owners, NGOs, and temple committees, to submit suggestions for the guidelines before the next festival season. The court emphasized the need for adequate rest periods, sufficient space, proper diet, and facilities for elephants during parades. The court condemned the practice of tightly tying elephants’ feet, forcing them to stand in one spot for extended periods, describing it as extreme cruelty. The guidelines aim to ensure humane treatment of elephants and prevent overcrowding and other harmful practices during festivals. The matter has been posted for further consideration on November 4, with the court planning to draft the guidelines based on the suggestions received.