Fri May 23 13:57:20 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Kerala High Court Questions Guruvayur Devaswom’s Elephant Practices**

**KOCHI, INDIA – May 23, 2025** – The Kerala High Court has directed the managing committee of the Guruvayur Devaswom to explain its policies regarding the use of elephants housed at the Punnathur Aanakotta, a sanctuary managed by the Devaswom. The court’s order follows a petition filed by Sangita Iyer, president of Voice for Asian Elephants Society, expressing concerns about the welfare of the captive elephants.

The court questioned the Devaswom’s practice of sending elephants to various temples and religious institutions to earn income, particularly in light of their reported financial surplus. Furthermore, the court cited concerns raised by the Devaswom’s veterinary surgeon regarding an incident where two elephants ran amok at a temple in Koyilandy, potentially triggered by fireworks. The surgeon emphasized the necessity of using ‘koochu vilangu’ (elephant hobbles) during processions.

The High Court expressed concern that the Guruvayur Devaswom lacks a system to monitor the well-being of the elephants once they leave the Aanakotta. The case has been adjourned for further consideration on June 26.

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