Jain math elephant shifted to Jamnagar facility after SC order

Following the Supreme Court's dismissal of a writ petition by the Kolhapur-based Jain math challenging the relocation of its 36-year-old elephant Mahadevi, the pachyderm was shifted to the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust run by Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, late on Monday.

- Gayatri Vajpeyee

The transfer was carried out under tight security and with the direct involvement of forest officials. Earlier, the Bombay high court's July 16 order had upheld the elephant’s right to dignified treatment and specialised care.

The apex court on Monday refused to stay the Bombay HC directive, observing—according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India—that “sentiments of devotees cannot override the fundamental right of an animal to health and dignified care”. The official order is still awaited.

Initially, the transfer plan had met with opposition from locals. When the Vantara team and forest department officials arrived at the math in Kolhapur, some locals reportedly pelted stones in protest. Police intervention helped diffuse the situation. After the initial tension, the crowd eventually gave Mahadevi an emotional farewell.

“She is expected to reach the Jamnagar facility by July 30,” confirmed a spokesperson of PETA India, which had argued for Mahadevi's transfer.