The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a petition opposing the transfer of the iconic temple elephant Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri) from the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswamy Sanstha—a Jain temple trust in Kolhapur—to the Radhe Krishna Elephant Welfare Trust (RKEWT) located in Vantara, Jamnagar.

A bench consisting of Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and AS Chandurkar scheduled the matter for hearing on Thursday, after counsel for the petitioner urged urgent listing. The petitioners raised concerns about the forced relocation of the elephant from its longtime temple sanctuary, stressing the sanctity of the religious and cultural bond between Mahadevi and the local community.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Mahadevi has been the cherished temple elephant of the Jain shrine in Nandani village, Kolhapur district, for over three decades. She is cared for by the Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswamy Sanstha, which holds significant religious importance among the Jain community there. The decision to shift her to the welfare trust in Jamnagar has triggered massive protests and public outcry from devotees, animal lovers, and local residents who consider her an inseparable part of the temple’s heritage and rituals.

High Court’s Order and Welfare Concerns

In July, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition filed by the Jain temple trust seeking to overturn the recommendation of a High Power Committee (HPC) that endorsed Mahadevi’s transfer to the RKEWT in Jamnagar. The High Court bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale concurred with the HPC’s assessment that the elephant’s health and well-being must take precedence over her role in temple religious functions. The Court noted that Mahadevi’s physical condition had deteriorated, emphasizing the need for better medical care and living conditions.

Supreme Court’s Earlier Direction and Current Status

On July 28, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, dismissed the temple trust’s petition against the High Court order. The Supreme Court directed that the transfer should be carried out at the earliest, ensuring all possible measures to prevent injury or distress to Mahadevi during transportation from Kolhapur to Jamnagar.

Public Reaction and Political Intervention

The transfer of Mahadevi to Jamnagar sparked widespread protests across Maharashtra, with locals and religious groups demanding her return. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis publicly announced that the State Government would support a review petition against the Supreme Court’s ruling to facilitate the elephant’s return.

In his statement, Fadnavis revealed that the Vantara team has shown willingness to cooperate with the Maharashtra Government’s efforts. The welfare trust has also expressed readiness to establish a rehabilitation center for Mahadevi near her original home in Nandani village, under the guidance of the Maharashtra Forest Department. The Vantara Trust assured the Chief Minister of respecting the religious sentiments of the Jain community and assured that there is no intention to permanently retain custody of Mahadevi against local wishes.

Significance and Legal Implications

This case highlights the delicate balance between animal welfare and religious traditions in India. While courts recognize the importance of ensuring proper care and health for captive elephants, the cultural and spiritual bonds associated with temple elephants evoke strong community sentiments. The Supreme Court’s upcoming hearing will be closely watched for its implications on similar cases where religious rights and animal welfare concerns intersect.