Frame SOP governing participation of elephants in temple events, religious functions, Madras HC directs Tamil Nadu government
Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan order that the draft SOP must be placed before the court on October 30, 2026
The Madras High Court issued an order on October 1, 2026, requiring the Tamil Nadu government to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for using elephants in religious functions and temple festivals. Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) consisting of the Chief Wildlife Warden, HR&CE Commissioner, and expert veterinary officers to draft the comprehensive SOP.
The court mandated pre-festival health and microchip verification, veterinary fitness certification, and physical inspections for elephants participating in festivals. District Level Committees (DLCs) were also ordered to approve elephants' participation. The court emphasized strict transportation protocols, including maximum travel duration, rest intervals, veterinary support, and specialized transit vehicles.
Additional safety measures included decibel limits for loudspeakers and firecrackers, buffer zones between elephants and crowds, and prohibition of physical cruelty. The draft SOP was required to be submitted to the court by October 30, 2026. The court emphasized that elephants play a significant role in religious traditions but must adhere to ethical and legal standards.
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