Kerala HC refuses to grant interim relief in PIL on parading elephants

Kochi: High court on Friday refused to grant any interim relief in a PIL seeking a directive to prohibit the parading of elephants during peak daytime heat, their exposure to high-decibel fireworks at dangerously close proximity and deprivation of necessary rest during the Thrissur Pooram festival.A bench of Justices A A Ziyad Rahman and K V Jayakumar admitted the petition filed by V K Venkitachalam of Thrissur, issued notice to the state govt and Paramekkavu-Thiruvambady devaswoms, and adjourned the matter to May 25.The petitioner also highlighted the illegal deployment of unauthorised private elephant squads and the statutory authorities' admitted failure to maintain mandatory records of dangerous incidents involving elephants, which endangers both animal welfare and public safety. He further urged that only fit elephants certified by competent veterinary authorities be permitted to participate in festivals, including the Pooram festival to be held on April 26 and 27.When HC considered the petition on Friday, the respondents submitted that the issues raised were pending before the Supreme Court. Previously, a division bench had issued directives in the matter, which were stayed by the apex court on appeal.Accordingly, the single bench declined to grant any interim order, observing that the matter is being considered by the apex court.