The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the Centre to take steps for ensuring the well-being of captive elephants prescribing their mandatory medical check up and constant monitoring after being told that more than half of the over 2700 captive elephants in the country remain in possession of private individuals.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre which flagged the cruel treatment of elephants in captivity and sought their release into the wild claiming that these animals are not meant to be used for entertainment, joyrides or such purposes. She pointed out that the CEHWC has brought out a DNA sampling kit by which each captive elephant can be monitored and their data uploaded on the Gaja Soochna App in order to prevent their illegal transfer or transportation. We do not intend to intrude into personal or religious rights but we need to harmonise the practice of keeping elephants with the regime under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.”
The court said, “We are not considering prohibition of elephants in temple festivals but are only concerned with their health.
