Send Samayapuram temple jumbo to Theppakadu camp, directs High Court

Antony Clinton Rubin of Chennai filed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition, which came up for hearing before the division Bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and N Sathish Kumar.

The bench earlier on September 19, had directed the Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments to file counter affidavit while hearing Rubin’s plea demanding to send the elephant back to its natural habitat. The petitioner claimed that elephants became ferocious when they were separated from their natural habitats.

It may be pointed out that Masini turned ferocious while performing rituals at the Samayapuram temple and trampled its mahout to death on May 25. Further, nine devotees, who were also attacked by the elephant on the same day, suffered injuries. Subsequently, the elephant calmed down and was then sent to Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu for treatment.

Hence, the bench should impose ban order on seclusion of elephants from their habitats, the petitioner prayed.

The bench had earlier directed the Commissioner of HR & CE to file a detailed counter affidavit and adjourned the case to October 10.

The bench on Wednesday also said that adequate care should be given to the elephant in the camp, where veterinarians should be deputed to monitor the elephant round-the-clock and provide treatment.

Moreover, the Dean of Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu should also visit the camp once a week and check the health status and submit a report next month.