S MURALIDHARAN Vs. ARULMIGU SUGUVANESWARAR TEMPLE, REP BY ITS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER/ EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition by way of public interest litigation has been filed for orders directing the respondents to euthanize the elephant Rajeshwari kept by Arulmighu Suguvaneswarar Temple, on humanitarian grounds.

(2.) Arulmigu Suguvaneswarar Temple, which is under the control of the Hindu Religious Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, has an elephant by the name of Rajeshwari. In the writ petition, it is stated that the elephant, Rajeshwari is suffering from a serious painful disease and has developed bedsores, which have started decaying.

(3.) Mr.Chockalingam appearing for the petitioner submitted that several Veterinarians including Forest Department Veterinarians, have tried to experiment on Rajeshwari. However, in an attempt to make Rajeshwari stand, by lifting her with an earthmover, Rajeshwari broke her tushes and limbs. The petitioner submits that the elephant is in agony and on humanitarian grounds, the elephant should be euthanized.