What did the Madras High Court judges observe during the hearing?

The judges noted that Tamil Nadu has seen a considerable growth in its elephant population, with over 100 elephants recorded annually, which is considered a good number. They also recalled instances of elephants encroaching into human habitats in Chhattisgarh due to the destruction of their natural habitats.

Home / Environment / Madras High Court Halts Proposal to Bring Baby Elephant to Tamil Nadu Temple

Madras High Court Halts Proposal to Bring Baby Elephant to Tamil Nadu Temple

Q: What is the Madras High Court's decision on the proposal to bring a baby elephant to Nellaiyappar temple?

The Madras High Court has admitted a PIL that challenges the proposal to bring a 5-7 year old baby elephant from Uttarakhand to the Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.

Q: Why is the NGO People for Cattle in India (PFCI) opposing the plan to bring the baby elephant?

PFCI argues that the plan to donate a wild-born baby elephant to the temple is "abhorrent" and incompatible with the compassionate spirit of Lord Shiva, and would lead to a lifetime of captivity and 60 years of silent suffering for the elephant.

29 Oct

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Summary

PIL filed against proposal to bring 5-7 year old baby elephant from Uttarakhand to Nellaiyappar temple
Concerns over elephant's lifetime captivity and suffering
Court directs Union, Tamil Nadu govt, and HR&CE dept to respond to the plea

Madras High Court Halts Proposal to Bring Baby Elephant to Tamil Nadu Temple

On October 29, 2025, the Madras High Court admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that questioned a proposal to bring a 5-7 year old baby elephant from Uttarakhand to the Nellaiyappar temple in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The temple's previous elephant, Gandhimathi, had died earlier this year.

The PIL, filed by the NGO People for Cattle in India (PFCI), argued that the plan to donate a wild-born baby elephant to the temple is "abhorrent" and incompatible with the compassionate spirit of Lord Shiva, in whose abode the temple stands. The petition warned that this would lead to a lifetime of captivity and 60 years of silent suffering for the elephant.