Supreme Court supports elephants in Indian festivals

The Supreme Court of India stated on March 17, 2025, that using elephants in festivals is part of the country's culture. This comment came during a hearing of a petition from the NGO Vishwa Gaja Seva Samithi, challenging a Kerala High Court ruling on elephant treatment in religious events. The NGO argued that the High Court's directions undermined cultural practices and sought to protect traditions involving elephants in Kerala's Hindu temple festivals. The Supreme Court noted the conflict between animal welfare and cultural use of elephants, while the petition claimed foreign funding influences animal rights activists. The Supreme Court previously balanced animal rights and temple customs by enforcing rules for elephant management. The Kerala High Court had mandated space requirements for elephants in processions, which the Supreme Court supported, emphasizing adherence to existing regulations.