Elephant Madhuri moved to Jamnagar sanctuary after Supreme Court upholds transfer order

An elephant named Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, has been relocated from a religious Mutt in Kolhapur to the Vantara sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat, following a directive from the Supreme Court of India.

The apex court upheld the decision of the Ministry of Environment’s High Powered Committee (HPC), bringing to a close a long-standing legal and welfare battle over the elephant’s treatment and living conditions, ANI reported.

Longstanding welfare concerns and legal proceedings

According to a press statement from Vantara, the transfer follows years of documented violations related to the elephant’s health, safety, and use for commercial purposes.

The animal welfare organisation PETA had been monitoring Madhuri’s condition since 2022 and, in October 2023, submitted a comprehensive complaint to the HPC.

The complaint included veterinary assessments, photographs, and evidence of physical injuries, psychological distress, and her repeated use in unauthorised public events.

Between 2012 and 2023, the elephant was transported between Maharashtra and Telangana at least 13 times, often without required forest department clearances.

On 8 January 2023, the Telangana Forest Department registered a wildlife offence against the elephant’s mahout, Mr B. Ismail, for illegally using her in a public procession. Although the offence was later settled with a fine of ₹25,000, concerns about the elephant’s mistreatment remained unresolved.

Evidence of commercial exploitation

Investigations revealed that the elephant was routinely used in public processions, including Muharram events, for begging, and even made to carry children in her trunk. Reports indicated the use of banned metal ankushes for control.

In a controversial practice, the Mutt allegedly auctioned the right to perform religious rituals with the elephant, effectively monetising access to her.

Tragically, the elephant had also fatally injured the head priest of the Mutt in 2017, raising serious safety concerns.

Expert inspections and committee action

In August 2023, a veterinary inspection revealed open wounds, lameness, thinning footpads, and signs of mental distress. In October, a report by Dr Rakesh Chittora of Animal Rahat recommended immediate medical care and noted the mahout's lack of basic elephant husbandry knowledge.

While the HPC initially gave the Mutt a three-month period (beginning June 2024) to improve conditions, follow-up inspections in June and November 2024 found only superficial improvements.

On 27 December 2024, the HPC ordered the elephant’s relocation to the Jamnagar facility run by the Radhika Khanna Trust for Elephant Welfare and Treatment (RKTEWT), citing its qualified staff, medical facilities, and natural enclosures.

Court backs transfer amid misinformation

The Mutt challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court, which dismissed the petition on 16 July 2025, stating that the elephant’s welfare must take precedence over religious customs.

The Supreme Court upheld the ruling on 28 July and directed that the elephant be transferred within two weeks. The next hearing is set for 11 August to ensure compliance.

Vantara clarified that it had no role in initiating or requesting the transfer. The sanctuary was selected by the HPC based solely on its capacity and track record. The promoter family behind Vantara was not involved in the matter and did not participate in the legal proceedings.

“It is unfortunate that, despite full legal closure, misinformation is being spread to vilify Vantara and its supporters,” the statement said. “When courts have ruled, continuing to target a neutral organisation that merely followed orders undermines faith in the judiciary.”

Vantara reaffirmed its commitment to ethical, lawful animal care, stating it had acted only in accordance with judicial and regulatory mandates.

—  With inputs from ANI