Why Are There Protests Over Mahadevi Elephant Rescue Despite Supreme Court Order?

Mahadevi Elephant Rescue has become a flashpoint in Maharashtra, with religious groups and political leaders staging protests over her court-ordered transfer to Vantara sanctuary in Gujarat—despite clear evidence of abuse and years of neglect.

The 36-year-old elephant, once held at a Jain math in Kolhapur, spent more than three decades chained to concrete floors, alone and in distress. Now freed and receiving expert medical care in Jamnagar, her journey from captivity to compassion has become a subject of statewide controversy.

Over 30 Years of Captivity and Suffering

Mahadevi—also known as Madhuri—was brought to the Kolhapur math at just three years old. Reportedly sourced from Karnataka, she lived her entire life in isolation, shackled, and used in religious processions. Her routine included street begging and public performances, where she was often made to interact with children.

Controlled using a banned spiked rod called ankush, she never interacted with another elephant during her time at the temple. Over the years, her physical condition deteriorated. She developed foot rot, arthritis, cracked nails, and psychological stress. In 2017, she fatally attacked the temple’s priest—a response experts linked to prolonged trauma and confinement.

After this incident, the temple’s trustees acknowledged they could no longer manage her and approached the Forest Department in 2018, offering to hand her over.

Repeated Violations and Unlawful Transfers

Despite the offer to surrender, Mahadevi continued to be transported without legal permission. From 2012 to 2023, she was moved across state borders at least 13 times, violating Section 48A of the Wildlife Protection Act. In one such instance, she was taken to Telangana for a religious event without official clearance.

On 30 July 2023, the Telangana Forest Department registered a wildlife offence and seized her. She was placed under the custody of the Maharashtra Forest Department, and from then on, Mahadevi was no longer considered temple property—a fact later confirmed in court.

Ignored Warnings and Deteriorating Health

A medical team inspected Mahadevi in August 2023 and found untreated wounds, psychological trauma, and signs of chronic illness. A second inspection in June 2024, led by the Maharashtra Chief Wildlife Warden, formally recommended her transfer to a specialised care facility.

Despite repeated warnings and months of time to improve her living conditions, the math made only superficial changes. A follow-up visit in November 2024 found no significant improvement.

Court-Ordered Rescue

After years of neglect and multiple complaints from PETA India, the Supreme Court’s High Powered Committee reviewed her case. On 27 December 2024, the committee ordered Mahadevi’s transfer to Gujarat’s Vantara sanctuary, run by the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust.

The temple challenged the decision in court. Both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court ruled in favour of her rescue. On 28 July 2025, the apex court declared that the elephant’s welfare must take priority and instructed that her transfer be carried out with care and compassion.

Mob Violence During Transfer

On 30 July 2025, when the rescue team arrived in Kolhapur to relocate Mahadevi, they faced mob violence. Stones were thrown at forest officials and sanctuary staff, but the transfer was completed under judicial supervision.

It was the first time in 33 years that Mahadevi walked on natural ground, free from chains, and in the company of other elephants.

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Healing at Vantara Sanctuary

Now housed at the Vantara sanctuary in Jamnagar, Mahadevi is receiving treatment for arthritis, foot injuries, and psychological trauma. Her rehabilitation includes hydrotherapy, pain management, and interaction with other elephants—basic rights she had never experienced before.

Vantara shared updates about her recovery on social media, noting chronic foot abscesses, arthritis, and nutritional deficiencies. A personalised care plan has been developed to restore her mobility, reduce her pain, and improve her overall health.

Protests Rooted in Cultural Belief

Despite her improved health and court approvals, several religious and political groups in Maharashtra continue to protest the transfer. They argue that Mahadevi was part of temple tradition and accuse authorities of disrespecting religious practices.

However, legal records show she was no longer the math’s property after her 2023 seizure due to repeated wildlife law violations. Her removal followed a formal legal process supported by evidence, veterinary evaluations, and government recommendations.

A Humane Compromise Proposed

To address the religious sentiments involved, PETA India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO) have offered the temple a mechanical elephant for ceremonial use. While some groups welcomed the idea, others rejected it, escalating tensions further.

What’s Next?

The Supreme Court has scheduled a follow-up hearing on 11 August 2025 to ensure that all directions regarding Mahadevi’s welfare are being implemented. Meanwhile, Mahadevi remains under close observation, finally living a life of dignity, care, and freedom.