Frame SOP governing participation of elephants in temple events, religious functions, Madras HC directs Tamil Nadu government
The Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to create a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the use of elephants in religious festivals. The directive mandates strict health checks, microchip verification, and transportation safety protocols to ensure animal welfare.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a legal precedent for balancing cultural and religious traditions with animal rights and safety standards in India.
The Madras High Court on Thursday (October 1, 2026) directed the Tamil Nadu government to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the use of elephants in religious functions and temple festivals strictly in compliance with animal welfare and safety standards.
First Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan directed the Environment, Climate Change and Forests secretary and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) secretary to first constitue a Joint Working Group (JWG).
The JWG should consist of the Chief Wildlife Warden, HR&CE Commissioner and expert veterinary officers and it shall draft and submit a comprehensive and standardised SOP governing all aspects related to the participation of elephants in religious events and temple festivals, the Bench ordered.
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