The Vantara initiative in Jamnagar received a major legal backing when the Bombay High Court upheld the decision to relocate a captive elephant, Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri), to its specialized care facility. This judgment has not only reinforced the importance of animal welfare but has also raised significant conversations around the balance between religious practices and the ethical treatment of animals.
Vantara to Be the New Home for Elephant Mahadevi
At the heart of the case was a petition filed by Swathishri Jinsen Bhattarak, representing the Pattacharya Mahaswami Sanstha Math in Kolhapur, a Jain religious institution. The Math had housed Mahadevi since 1992 and claimed she was a vital part of their religious traditions. However, the High Power Committee (HPC) had earlier recommended that Mahadevi be moved to Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, better known as Vantara, for long-term care and rehabilitation.
The division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Dr. Neela Gokhale reviewed the matter in detail and ruled in favor of the elephant’s transfer. The judges emphasized that Mahadevi’s current living conditions were unsuitable and potentially harmful, supporting the HPC’s directive.
Petitioner Cites Religious Freedom, Court Prioritizes Welfare
The Math argued that transferring Mahadevi was a violation of their rights under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, which ensures the freedom to practice religion. Their legal team, led by senior advocate Surel Shah, claimed that the orders dated December 27, 2024, and reaffirmed on June 3, 2025, were issued arbitrarily. They also pointed out that Mahadevi had been recovering from previous injuries and that necessary steps had been taken to improve her care.
However, the court found that these arguments did not hold up against the hard evidence. The welfare of the animal, the bench stated, could not be compromised in the name of religious tradition—particularly when the animal had suffered years of inadequate treatment.
PETA Presents Alarming Evidence of Neglect
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which initially brought attention to the case, submitted substantial evidence indicating Mahadevi’s deteriorating physical and mental condition. Their legal representative, Advocate Vishal Kanade, presented both photographic proof and veterinary reports.
These reports highlighted several health concerns including foot rot, abscesses, and clear signs of psychological distress. PETA argued that the elephant had been isolated, overworked in religious ceremonies, and deprived of basic care. According to them, Mahadevi had been used for commercial exploitation under the guise of tradition.
Court’s Observation: “Dismal” and “Brutal”
Upon reviewing the findings of the High Power Committee, the Bombay High Court strongly criticized the conditions under which Mahadevi was kept. It described her environment at the Math as “absolutely dismal” and noted that she suffered injuries due to neglect and poor treatment.
The bench pointed out that the Math failed to offer any satisfactory explanation for the elephant’s injuries. Furthermore, the improvements made after the complaints were received were labeled as “cosmetic” and “too little, too late.”
The court didn’t shy away from calling the treatment “brutal,” particularly condemning her use in religious processions to carry people and equipment, which added to her suffering. The ruling emphasized that animal welfare takes precedence over religious customs, especially in a secular country governed by rule of law.
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Vantara Deemed the Best Option for Mahadevi
In its concluding remarks, the court underlined that Vantara is not only a capable and experienced institution but also geographically the most suitable for Mahadevi’s relocation. The facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is one of the most advanced in India for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and care, offering elephants a natural, stress-free environment and 24/7 veterinary supervision.
The bench noted the absence of any dedicated elephant care facility in Maharashtra, making Vantara the ideal choice. The decision ensures minimal stress during the elephant’s transport and guarantees long-term professional care that she could not receive at the religious Math.
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Conclusion:: Mahadevi Must Be Moved to Vantara
With a clear focus on justice, compassion, and scientific reasoning, the court ordered that elephant Mahadevi be relocated to Vantara without delay. This move is intended to safeguard her physical and psychological well-being and allow her a life of dignity among other elephants in a natural setting.
The decision marks a significant win for animal welfare advocates and sets a precedent for how courts might handle similar cases in the future. It demonstrates that while religious practices are respected, they cannot override the fundamental rights of living beings to be treated with care and humanity.