Fri Jan 23 16:12:39 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Madras High Court Orders Return of Elephants to Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam After Six-Year Dispute

The Story:

The Madras High Court has dismissed an appeal by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden (PCCF-cum-CWC) and ordered the return of three female elephants, Sandhya (50), Indu (30), and Jayanti (14), to the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. The court’s decision, delivered on January 23, 2026, ends a six-year legal battle initiated after the elephants were moved to a forest department facility following the death of their mahout in 2015. The Mutt has been seeking their return since 2022, citing the creation of a suitable care facility.

The court questioned the forest department’s resistance, particularly after a single judge had already ruled in favor of the Mutt on January 7, 2026. The department argued the elephants’ health was not conducive to relocation, but the court emphasized the initial judge’s reasoned order and the Mutt’s commitment to providing care at their Konerikuppam facility, including veterinary support.

Key Points:

  • The Madras High Court dismissed the PCCF-cum-CWC’s appeal, upholding the order to return three elephants to the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
  • The elephants, Sandhya, Indu, and Jayanti, were initially moved to the forest department’s care in 2015 after their mahout’s death.
  • The Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam has been seeking their return since 2022, having established a 2.94-acre care facility.
  • The forest department argued against the return based on the elephants’ health, but the court found the Mutt’s commitment to care and veterinary support sufficient.
  • The Mutt has undertaken to keep the elephants at the Konerikuppam facility and perform rituals there until they are deemed fit to travel.

Key Takeaways:

  • The judiciary prioritized religious and cultural practices (specifically the importance of elephants in Hindu rituals) while ensuring animal welfare concerns were addressed.
  • The case highlights the tension between governmental regulatory bodies (the forest department) and religious institutions concerning the care and use of animals.
  • The court’s emphasis on the single judge’s reasoned order and the Mutt’s undertakings suggests a careful balancing act between competing interests.
  • The resolution underscores the importance of clear communication and collaboration between religious organizations and governmental bodies to resolve conflicts over animal welfare and religious practices.

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