AVINAVA PRAYASH Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. B. D. Konwar, learned senior counsel, appearing for the petitioners. Also heard Mr. D. Mazumdar, learned Additional Advocate General, Assam, appearing for Respondents No. 1 to 5; Mr. S.C. Keyal, learned Assistant Solicitor General of India appearing for Respondent No.6 and Mr. B. Sarma, learned Standing Counsel, Railways, appearing for Respondents No.7, 8, 9 and 10.

(2.) The petitioner No.1 is an organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, formed with the object of ensuring Animal Welfare, Wildlife Conservation, Environment and Forest Protection, etc. The petitioner No.2 is the Secretary of the petitioner No.1 and she is an animal rights activist. The petitioner No. 3 also claims to be an animal rights activist.

(3.) The petition was filed on 21.06.2019 praying for a direction to the State Government to revoke its decision to transfer four elephants to Ahmedabad in the State of Gujarat. It is pleaded by the petitioners that the elephants are sought to be transported for the purpose of Annual Rath Yatra to be held on and from 04.07.2019 and the orders in that connection were passed by the Respondent No.4 - the Chief Wild Life Warden & Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild Life), Assam. The copies of the orders, however, are not annexed with the petition.