Maharashtra govt to move SC for return of elephant Mahadevi as protests grow louder in Kolhapur over her transfer to Gujarat; CM has urged the Jain math involved to consider strong public sentiment and also file a petition in the apex court
Maharashtra government joins battle to bring elephant home. Pic/x/@DepinBhat
In an attempt to bring back elephant Mahadevi, currently housed at Vantara in Gujarat, the Maharashtra government will file an independent petition in the Supreme Court. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has urged the Jain math involved to consider strong public sentiment and also file a petition in the apex court. “As part of the Maharashtra government's active efforts to bring back the elephant, the state will also file an independent petition requesting the court to consider its appeal,” Fadnavis said on Tuesday.
Fadnavis held a closed-door meeting with a delegation comprising political leaders — Satej (alias Bunty) Patil of the Congress, Raju Shetty of the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, and Shiv Sena MP Dhairyasheel Mane. The meeting at Mantralaya was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Forest Minister Ganesh Naik. Religious leaders from the Jain community were also present.
In July, the Bombay High Court had dismissed a petition filed by a Jain math in Kolhapur challenging the transfer of the captive elephant to Gujarat. Following the court order, Mahadevi was moved to the Vantara centre. After the transfer, the delegation sought the chief minister’s support to bring the elephant back to Kolhapur. The move has sparked widespread protests in the region. Just last week, thousands of locals joined a silent long march led by Raju Shetty demanding Mahadevi’s return. Congress leader Satej Patil also launched a signature campaign, which reportedly gathered over two lakh signatures.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office, Fadnavis assured the delegation that the government would take all necessary legal steps to return Mahadevi to her original home at Nandani Math in Kolhapur. During the meeting, it was also decided that the Forest Department will follow all legal protocols and present a comprehensive case before the Supreme Court. “We will request the court to form an independent panel to assess the situation. A team of veterinarians will be constituted, and if required, we are open to creating a rescue-centre-like facility as well,” Fadnavis added.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar stated that the government will do everything needed to honour public sentiment. He also directed the Forest Department to compile data on all elephants from Maharashtra that have been relocated outside the state.
Govt to withdraw cases against protesters
The state government has also assured that criminal cases filed against locals during protests will be withdrawn. Many citizens had been booked for damage to police property during agitations against Mahadevi’s relocation.
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