09 October,2026 04:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Elephants are highly social animals, and prolonged isolation, chaining and restricted movement can affect their physical and psychological well-being. File Pic/ X
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India has expressed deep disappointment over the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss its plea seeking the rehabilitation of ailing elephant Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, at the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
The decision means Madhuri will remain at Nandani Math in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, where PETA India alleges she is being kept tethered alone in a shed despite suffering from serious health conditions. The organisation said the ruling was a missed opportunity to advance elephant welfare, particularly as nearly 50 temples across India have adopted mechanical elephants for religious ceremonies.
The Supreme Court also directed PETA India to contribute Rs 25,000 towards Madhuri's care. The organisation said it would request that the amount be used for veterinary treatment, including pain relief and care for arthritis and fractures.
According to PETA India, Madhuri spent 33 years in chains and solitary confinement at the math. During her rehabilitation at RKTEWT, she was freed from chains, developed a close bond with another rescued elephant, Shanti, and received specialised veterinary care.
PETA India said Madhuri was returned to Kolhapur on September 11-12, where it documented her being tethered alone in the same shed from which she had previously been removed. The organisation also said painted images of trees on the shed's walls had replaced the natural surroundings she experienced at the Jamnagar facility.
A video shared by PETA India shows Madhuri's return to the math amid loud fireworks.
A sub-committee of the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC), comprising representatives of the HPC, the Central Zoo Authority and Maharashtra's Chief Wildlife Warden, had inspected the math and identified concerns about Madhuri's long-term care.
According to PETA India, the inspection report flagged limited opportunities for exercise and socialisation, excessive human interference, tar roads along the proposed walking route, difficulties accessing a perennial water source, possible water contamination and inadequate specialised veterinary infrastructure.
The report also recorded the math authorities' acknowledgement that the facility was primarily intended for religious purposes and that Madhuri's rehabilitation needs were not being met there, PETA India said.
A joint medical examination conducted at RKTEWT in October 2025 documented osteoarthritis, osteolysis and multiple stress fractures. The examination also noted Madhuri's strong social bond with Shanti.
In December 2025, the HPC reportedly emphasised the importance of continuity of care and cautioned that relocating Madhuri could lead to physical deterioration or a regression in her rehabilitation.
The HPC had ordered her permanent rehabilitation at RKTEWT on June 3, 2025. The decision was subsequently upheld by the Bombay High Court on July 16 and the Supreme Court on July 28, 2025, according to PETA India.
PETA India Vice-President of Policy Khushboo Gupta said the adoption of mechanical elephants by temples demonstrated that religious traditions could be maintained without keeping live elephants in captivity.
Gupta described Madhuri's return to the math as a setback, arguing that an elephant's physical and psychological needs should be prioritised.
Elephants are highly social animals, and prolonged isolation, chaining and restricted movement can affect their physical and psychological well-being. PETA India said Madhuri requires specialised veterinary treatment, freedom of movement, access to natural surroundings and water, and opportunities to interact with other elephants.
PETA India said it would continue seeking Madhuri's permanent rehabilitation at a suitable elephant sanctuary where she could receive specialised treatment, exercise and opportunities for companionship.
The organisation also pointed to the growing use of life-size mechanical elephants at religious institutions across India, saying the alternatives allow temples to conduct ceremonial activities without the welfare concerns associated with keeping live elephants in captivity.
