Will ritual be interrupted if there is no elephant? Three-meter distance considered for safety of people, says High Court

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has adopted a firm stance regarding guidelines on elephant processions, emphasizing the safety of elephants and public welfare. The court was hearing a petition filed by the Thripunithura Poornathrayeesha Temple Board of Trustees, seeking relaxation of the stipulation mandating a three-meter distance between elephants during processions.

The division bench questioned the necessity of parading 15 elephants for rituals, asking, "Which ritual requires 15 elephants? Will rituals be disrupted without elephants? Would Hinduism cease to exist without them?" The court urged the temple authorities to justify how reducing the prescribed distance would align with public and animal safety.

The guidelines, introduced to prevent overcrowding and ensure the welfare of elephants, prohibit elephants from standing side by side. Addressing concerns raised by the temple officials that the three-meter rule limits the procession to nine elephants, the court remarked, "If nine elephants are permitted under the current guidelines, then conduct a procession with nine."

The court further queried whether spectators derive enjoyment from witnessing elephants tethered in chains. It also asked what exceptional circumstances justified relaxing the distance requirement. The petition will be taken up for further consideration tomorrow.