CHENNAI: Was the temple elephant of the famed Srirangam Ranganatha Swamy shrine near Tiruchy used for dancing and performing tricks? Madras High Court has directed the counsel for HR&CE to file an affidavit on the allegation.
The first bench of Chief Justice SK Kul and Justice R Mahadvan gave the direction last week, while taking on file a PIL from one Radha Rajan, who prayed for a direction from the court to form a committee to monitor the implementation of the scheme with regard to cows and elephants donated to temples and mutts.
When the matter came up on July 23 last, the bench directed the Animal Welfare Board of India to inspect another elephant, Gomathi, which recouped at Sri Mahalingaswami temple in Tiruvidaimarudur, Kumbakonam. After going through the inspection report filed by the AWBI and the submission of the temple counsel, the bench said the temple was lacking funds and Gomathi must be shifted.
It was at this stage, the use of the elephant at the Srirangam temple for dancing was brought to its notice by the AWBI along with videos. The bench issued notice to the temple management.
As regards formation of District Level Captive Welfare Committee, the counsel for Forest Department said the same would be done within a month. The bench then posted the PIL for further hearing on November 18.