The Supreme Court of India stayed the interim order issued by the Kerala High Court Division Bench, which sought to restrict the parade of decorated elephants in temple festivals on March 17. The Bench, comprising Justice Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, observed that the High Court’s order appeared to be a step toward an outright ban on such parades.
The petition challenging the High Court’s order passed on January 13 was filed by the Vishwa Gaja Seva Samiti. The Supreme Court noted that the Kerala High Court had introduced these regulations while hearing a suo motu case related to the death of a domestic dog named Bruno.
However, the Supreme Court did not grant a complete stay on the Division Bench’s order. The petitioner argued that the High Court’s directive to conduct a census of domesticated elephants was a deliberate attempt to curtail their participation in temple festivals.
Additionally, the Court rejected petitions from the Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Temple Devaswoms—key stakeholders in the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival—seeking to transfer the case concerning the welfare of domesticated elephants from the Kerala High Court to the Supreme Court. Instead, the Court advised the Devaswoms to present their stance before the High Court or seek to be impleaded in the ongoing case before the Supreme Court. Following this, the Devaswoms withdrew their petitions.
The Supreme Court’s intervention has brought relief to Hindus in Kerala, who have been increasingly concerned about growing restrictions on temple festivals. Many believe that neither the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) nor the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) adequately represents their concerns, as both parties compete to secure minority votes. The High Court’s interim order against elephant parades had further hurt their sentiments. Now, with the Supreme Court’s stay order, the community is hopeful for the continued preservation of their cultural and religious traditions.
