The Bombay High Court has ordered the transfer of an elephant named Mahadevi to Vantara Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, Gujarat—an animal rescue center backed by Reliance Industries.

A Jain math in Kolhapur, which had owned Mahadevi since 1992, had challenged this move, claiming that the elephant played a key role in its religious rituals.

However, a bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela Gokhale rejected the math's plea and confirmed the decision of the High Power Committee (HPC) directing Mahadevi’s relocation for her long-term care.

The Court described Vantara as a “godsent facility” for the elephant and gave two weeks for the transfer to be completed.

Highlighting the Court's duty to protect those who cannot speak for themselves, the judges made it clear that the elephant’s well-being must come before religious customs. “We choose the elephant’s right to a better life over the petitioner’s right to use it for rituals,” the Court stated.

Concerns about Mahadevi’s health were raised by animal rights group PETA India, which reported her mistreatment at the math. Despite the math’s claim that Mahadevi had recovered and was essential for their religious practices, the Court found the conditions she was kept in to be inadequate and improvements made as “too little, too late.”

Medical reports also indicated unexplained injuries on Mahadevi’s back, likely caused by heavy loads during processions. The Court called such treatment “callous and brutal.”

Praising Vantara’s facilities—which include open spaces, socialization opportunities, and veterinary care—the Court said it had no hesitation in approving the HPC's recommendation.

The Court also directed wildlife authorities in Maharashtra and Gujarat to facilitate the elephant’s transport by issuing necessary permits and NOCs.

Legal Representation:

• The Jain Math was represented by Senior Advocate Surel Shah.

• HPC was represented by Advocates Jatin Kochar and Ninan Thikekar.

• The State was represented by Additional Government Pleaders AI Patel and SS Bhende.

• Vantara Trust was represented by Advocate Shardul Singh.

• PETA India was represented by Advocates Vishal Kanade and team.