Guwahati: The Gauhati High Court has directed a Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC) to consider the rehabilitation of nine elephants from Assam that are allegedly being kept illegally in Tamil Nadu.
In an order passed by Justice Devashis Baruah on August 18 and released on August 31, the High Court also directed the Tamil Nadu government to conduct monthly inspections of the facilities where the elephants are housed.
The court further ordered that, pending a final decision by the HPC, elephants found to be lacking adequate nutrition or other essential care requirements should be seized and rehabilitated in accordance with the law.
The case originated with the Joymala controversy
The proceedings stem from a petition filed by the Assam government in September 2022 seeking the return of an elephant named Joymala, also known as Jeymalyatha, after videos purportedly showing her being subjected to cruelty at a temple in Tamil Nadu went viral.
Joymala had been leased by Assam to Tamil Nadu for three years in 2011 and has remained at the Srivilliputhur Nachiyar Thirukovil temple even after the lease period ended.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India was later impleaded in the case. The organisation urged the court to facilitate Joymala’s rehabilitation at a sanctuary where she could live without chains and alongside other elephants.
PETA India also sought the involvement of the HPC, headed by retired Justice Deepak Verma, to examine issues concerning the ownership, transfer and rehabilitation of captive elephants.
The animal rights organisation sought similar relief for eight other elephants from Assam whose temporary transfer periods to Tamil Nadu had also expired.
The High Court observed that the case originated from allegations concerning Joymala’s alleged mistreatment at the Tamil Nadu temple. It asked the HPC to consider PETA India’s submissions while examining the matter.
The court also observed that the temple’s position appeared to treat Joymala primarily as a “movable object” rather than considering the elephant’s welfare.
PETA seeks sanctuary for elephants
PETA India said the use of live elephants in temples was unnecessary given the availability of mechanical alternatives and called for their rehabilitation in sanctuaries.
“We hope that the HPC will expeditiously order the rehabilitation of all nine elephants to sanctuaries where they can live free of chains and weapons,” PETA India vice-president of policy Khushboo Gupta said.
The organisation has alleged that Joymala was subjected to repeated cruelty. A 2022 inspection reportedly found that her mahout used pliers to twist her skin as a means of controlling her, including during the presence of PETA India inspectors.
Assam has been seeking Joymala’s return since 2021.
In March 2025, more than 50 veterinarians from across India signed a petition calling for Joymala’s rescue after reviewing videos and other material concerning her condition. PETA India subsequently submitted the petition to authorities in Assam and Tamil Nadu.
The latest High Court directions place the rehabilitation of all nine elephants before the Supreme Court-appointed HPC, which will now consider the issues of their custody, welfare and rehabilitation.