Can elephants be used in religious rituals in India?

Yes, the Madras High Court has ruled that the use of elephants in religious rituals is protected under the constitutional right to manage religious affairs.

Who has custody of the elephants for Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham?

The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu forest department to hand over custody of three elephants to the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

When can the Kanchi Mutt move the elephants to its temple?

The elephants must stay at the Konerikuppam facility until they are fully healthy, as certified by the forest department's elephant committee.

Home / Crime and Justice / Court Grants Elephants to Kanchi Mutt for Rituals

Court Grants Elephants to Kanchi Mutt for Rituals

10 Jan

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Summary

Madras High Court ruled elephants are part of religious affairs.
Kanchi Mutt gains custody of three captive female elephants.
Elephants must remain at Konerikuppam until fully healthy.

Court Grants Elephants to Kanchi Mutt for Rituals

The Madras High Court has affirmed that the performance of 'gaja pooja' and the use of elephants in Hindu religious rituals fall under constitutional religious freedom. The court directed the Tamil Nadu forest department to transfer custody of three female elephants—Sandhya, Indu, and Jayanthi—to the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham in Kancheepuram. This ruling acknowledges the elephants' role in religious practices, subject to public health and welfare.

The Kanchi mutt had petitioned the court to regain possession of the elephants and permit their relocation to a newly developed facility. The elephants were initially moved to a rescue center in 2015 and later to a facility in Trichy in 2019. The mutt’s new facility, located three kilometers from its main temple, prompted this legal request for their return.

Allowing the petition, the court stipulated that the elephants, currently undergoing treatment, must remain at the Konerikuppam facility until fully recovered. They can only be moved to the temple or other areas upon certification by the forest department’s elephant committee. The district welfare committee will monitor the animals and the facility monthly until their recovery and quarterly thereafter.