Guruvayur Devaswom Pledges Strict Compliance with Kerala High Court’s Elephant Welfare Directives
The Guruvayur Devaswom Managing Committee has assured the Kerala High Court that it will strictly implement every direction issued by the court for the welfare of elephants housed at the famed Punnathur Anakkotta elephant sanctuary. Chairman A.V. Gopinath stated that the Devaswom would comply with the court’s interim orders in letter and spirit, describing elephant welfare as a priority alongside the preservation of temple traditions.
The assurance comes after the Kerala High Court issued a series of far-reaching interim directives aimed at improving the living conditions of the 39 captive elephants maintained by the Guruvayur Devaswom. The Division Bench directed that iron chains used for tethering elephants be replaced with cotton ropes or other humane alternatives wherever feasible, citing concerns over the physical and psychological harm caused by prolonged use of metal restraints.
In addition to restricting the use of iron chains, the Court directed the Devaswom to discontinue bathing elephants at their tethering sites and instead ensure hygienic, designated bathing areas. It also ordered the provision of clean drinking water, including RO-purified water where necessary, improved sanitation, adequate nutrition, regular veterinary care, and enhanced monitoring through CCTV cameras. The Bench stressed that captive elephants must be treated with dignity and that their welfare cannot be compromised despite their ceremonial role in temple rituals.
The High Court further asked the Guruvayur Devaswom to explore the acquisition of additional land to provide the elephants with more space for movement and exercise. The judges observed that adequate living space is essential for the animals’ physical and mental well-being and directed the Devaswom to implement recommendations submitted by expert committees on elephant management.
Responding to the court’s observations, Chairman A.V. Gopinath said the Devaswom respected the judiciary’s concern for animal welfare and would take all necessary administrative and logistical measures to implement the directives. He noted that officials had already begun reviewing existing facilities and would work closely with veterinarians, wildlife experts and government departments to ensure compliance within the prescribed timelines.
The case originated from a petition seeking recognition of Punnathur Anakkotta as a zoo under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. While the High Court has deferred a final decision on that issue, it considered it necessary to issue interim directions to safeguard the welfare of the elephants pending adjudication. The proceedings have drawn nationwide attention to the conditions in which temple elephants are maintained and the need to balance religious traditions with modern standards of animal care.
The Court’s intervention is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive judicial initiatives concerning the welfare of captive temple elephants in Kerala. If fully implemented, the measures are expected to establish improved standards for elephant management at Guruvayur and could influence the care and treatment of captive elephants in temples and religious institutions across the state.
