'Decision Made By Courts, Not State': Fadnavis On Elephant Mahadevi's Relocation To Vantara

Last Updated:August 04, 2025, 12:05 IST

The Bombay High Court, in its July 16 order, noted that Mahadevi, the elephant had been kept in chains and solitary confinement in Kolhapur.

The elephant, Mahadevi, was moved to Vantara from Kolhapur in late July.

Amid growing protests in Maharashtra over the transfer of elephant Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri) from Kolhapur to Gujarat’s Vantara rescue and rehabilitation centre, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has clarified that the state government had no role in initiating the move. Fadnavis has emphasised that the relocation was ordered by the Bombay High Court and later upheld by the Supreme Court.

“This is not a decision of the state government regarding Madhuri the elephant; it was a decision made by the Mumbai High Court. After the High Court’s decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court also upheld it," he said. “In this matter, as the government, we have only provided a report through the forest department."

Fadnavis acknowledged the emotional sentiments surrounding the issue and confirmed that discussions have taken place with local MLAs and MPs. A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the concerns raised by Kolhapur residents and explore legal options, he said. “There is resentment in society regarding this issue, and there are sentiments in the minds of devotees," he said, adding, “We will put forth all points in that meeting to bring Madhuri the elephant back."

From Solitary Chains To Hopeful Recovery

The relocation of Mahadevi comes after grave concerns were raised about her well-being. The Bombay High Court, in its July 16 order, noted that the elephant had been kept in chains and solitary confinement in Kolhapur, suffering from poor physical and mental health. Following this, the Supreme Court on July 28 directed that she be moved within two weeks to Vantara — a state-of-the-art rescue and rehabilitation facility.

Animal welfare organisation PETA India has welcomed the decision and documented Mahadevi’s suffering in Kolhapur. According to PETA, Mahadevi was kept chained and isolated in Kolhapur for years. She reportedly displayed signs of mental illness, including swaying and head bobbing—behaviours often associated with extreme stress and deprivation in elephants.

Veterinary assessments revealed severe foot problems and joint pain, with her toenails described as “grossly overgrown," likely due to a lack of exercise and proper care. PETA also stated that she was denied social contact with other elephants and lacked any form of environmental enrichment.

Now at Vantara, Mahadevi is set to receive critical veterinary care and, for the first time in years, the chance to walk freely and socialise with other elephants in a protected environment.

While public emotion continues to run high in Kolhapur, Fadnavis’s statement underlines that the transfer followed strict legal procedures and prioritised the elephant’s health.

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August 04, 2025, 12:05 IST

News india 'Decision Made By Courts, Not State': Fadnavis On Elephant Mahadevi's Relocation To Vantara

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