Kerala High Court Issues Notice On PIL Against Mistreatment Of Captive Elephants During Thrissur Pooram, Other Temple Festivals

The Kerala High Court on Friday (April 24) issued notice to the parties in a public interest litigation seeking judicial intervention against the mistreatment of captive elephants during the Thrissur Pooram, which is scheduled to be held on April 26 this year.

The vacation bench of Justice A.A. Ziyad Rahman and Justice K.V. Jayakumar admitted the PIL and the government pleader took notice on behalf of the State, the Principal Chief Conservator and Assistant Conservator of Forests, the Thrissur and Palakkad District Collectors and the Thrissur District Police Chief.

It also issued urgent notice to the Secretaries of Thiruvambady and Paramekkavu Devaswoms, which organises the Thrissur pooram every year.

The Court, however, refused to pass an order, taking note of the fact that challenge to a similar matter, in which the Division Bench issued directions, is presently pending before the Supreme Court.

The Apex Court in Thiruvambady Devaswom and another v. Union of India had stayed the High Court's directions for effective implementation of the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012.

The PIL states that there is widespread mistreatment and cruelty meted out against elephants during temple festivals, particularly Thrissur pooram.

"Notwithstanding the statutory and executive framework, there are widespread and recurring violations during temple festivals across the State, particularly in connection with Thrissur Pooram. Elephants are exposed to high-decibel fireworks in close proximity, made to stand amidst dense crowds without maintaining prescribed safety distances, paraded during restricted hours, and subjected to prolonged periods without adequate rest, food, or water," highlights the plea.

It is stated that, often, elephants are subjected to mistreatment that is in violation of Wildlife (Protection) Act (1972), the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules (2012) and other circulars/orders issued by the government.

The petitioner has suggested the use of robot elephant to carry the idol at the time of fireworks during the pooram. He has even stated that he is ready to give 2 robot elephants for the Thiruvamvady and Paramekkavu factions to carry the idol at the time of fireworks during the pooram this year.

The PIL seeks directions to strictly enforce the provisions of the 2012 Rules and the Government Circular dated 20.03.2013 in connection with festivals including Thrissur Pooram.

The petitioner also prays for a direction that a minimum safety distance is maintained between the elephants and the fireworks so that they are exposed to high-intensity noise.

Additionally, there are prayers for directions to ensure that the elephants are not paraded during peak heat hours and that only elephants certified as fit by veterinary authorities are permitted to participate in the festival.

The case is posted on May 25 for further consideration.

The PIL is moved by Advocates Sangeerthana M. and Adarsh Dharmajan.

Case No: WP(PIL) 93/2026

Case Title: V.K. Venkitachalam v. State of Kerala and Ors.