Devaswoms should give up their stubbornness; HC hardens stand against elephant procession

KOCHI: The High Court has once again tightened its stand against elephant procession, including during festivals. The high court said that the guidelines issued recently regarding elephant procession cannot be changed and the devaswoms should give up their stubbornness in this regard. Strict guidelines were issued considering the safety of the people and the maintenance of elephants.

It cannot be said that the use of elephants for festivals is an inevitable religious practice. The court can be informed if there are sufficient reasons to reduce the distance limit. The division bench also said that the guidelines cannot be changed considering the comments. "Just because something has been happening for a long time does not mean that it is an inevitable religious practice," the court said.

According to the high court guidelines, a distance of three metres should be maintained between two elephants. The district-level committee should also examine the certificates and give permission for the elephant procession. The high court order also laid down several other guidelines, including that the elephant should not be kept in procession for more than three hours in a row. The guidelines also state that good food for the elephants, the space required for rest and a certain distance from the public should be checked and ensured.

However, the Thiruvambady Devaswom responded that pooram celebrations will have to be curtailed in the wake of the high court order. The new restrictions will create obstacles. The beauty and grandeur of the pooram will be lost. Thiruvambady Devaswom said that there should be government intervention.