{
  "id": 1674865,
  "title": "Not delving into religious rights, only dealing with well-being and health of captive elephants, SC says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/not-delving-into-religious-rights-only-dealing-with-well-being-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T08:55:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/not-delving-into-religious-rights-only-dealing-with-well-being-and-health-of-captive-elephants-sc-says/article71359597.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Supreme Court of India issued a series of directives on August 18, 2026, focusing solely on the welfare and health of captive elephants across the nation. The ruling pertained primarily to the management and well-being of these animals in the care of private individuals, circuses, temples, forest departments, zoos, and rehabilitation centers. The court did not address religious rights or beliefs regarding the use of captive elephants in temple festivals.\n\nThe court acknowledged the rise in the number of captive elephants, which increased from 2,675 to 2,725 since February 2025. The breakdown of these elephants by ownership and purpose included 1,678 owned by private individuals, 47 by circuses, 96 by temples, 768 by forest departments, 63 by zoos, and 332 in rehabilitation centers. The court directed the Captive Elephants Healthcare and Welfare Committee (CEHWC) to provide a comprehensive report on the implementation of their recommendations and take necessary actions.\n\nAdditional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhat presented an office memorandum on the proceedings of the CEHWC, which outlined the number of captive elephants, their management, and highlighted the need for comprehensive guidelines. Temple management in Kerala argued that the use of captive elephants in religious festivals is deeply rooted in their faith and is an integral part of their traditions. However, the court emphasized that the focus should be on the ethical treatment, health, and well-being of these animals.\n\nAdvocate K. Parameshwar argued that the petition addressed the mistreatment of captive elephants in violation of the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024. He called for an update on the DNA profiling of captive elephants and urged the court to consider a ban on further captivity of elephants. However, Justice Joymalya Bagchi cautioned against such a drastic measure, noting the presence of abandoned elephants, particularly in the North-East, urging a more nuanced approach.\n\nThe court directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to submit a status report on the DNA profiling of all captive elephants and to introduce mandatory guidelines for the establishment of specialized elephant clinics for periodic health check-ups. The court also emphasized the need for proper documentation and adherence to rules during the transportation of captive elephants.",
  "summary": "Senior advocate K. Parameshwar, intervening for temple managements in Kerala, said the use of elephants in temple festivals in Kerala was and essential part of faith",
  "key_points": [
    "Supreme Court issues directives on August 18, 2026, focusing on captive elephant welfare.",
    "Court addresses management and health of 2,725 captive elephants across owners and purposes.",
    "Focus on ethical treatment, health, and well-being, not religious rights."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}