A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Friday expressed the hope that the government would take effective steps to implement the provisions of the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules 2003, in its letter and spirit.
The Bench comprising Chief Justice H. L. Dattu and Justice K.T. Sankaran made the observation while disposing of two writ petitions seeking to prevent parading of elephants under the scorching sun and to ensure that trained mahouts are employed for proper care of the animals.
When the petition came up, the government informed the Bench about the constitution of a committee headed by the District Collectors for monitoring the implementation of the rules. Besides, circulars containing the guidelines, such as employing trained mahouts and spraying water on the animals while taking them out in the scorching heat, had been sent to Forest Officers and District Collectors. Closing the petitions, the court said that the petitioners could approach the District Collectors if there was any violation of circulars.
The Hindu, March 15, 2008
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