People for Ethical Treatment to Animals (PETA) has sought direction of the Bombay High Court to transfer the elephant, 'Sunder', to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh for treatment.
However, the Government has opposed the move, saying Sunder can't be shifted as he is at present in musth stage (a period of sexual urge and aggression in male elephants).
The NGO has alleged the pachyderm, donated to Jyotibha Temple in Kolhapur by a local MLA, was ill-treated by the authorities and mahout (elephant handler) there. The temple officials have denied the charge.
PETA counsel Shiraz Rustom told a Division Bench of Justices V M Kanade and Anil Menon that the NGO was ready to move the elephant to Mathura and provide proper treatment.
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"It has been two years but nothing has been done. He has been mistreated and hence is charging at anyone who approaches him. PETA now wants to transfer him to a facility in Mathura in a modified truck," Rustom said.
Saluja cited the report to oppose Sunder's transfer at this stage. "The elephant is still in musth. In the present condition, it would not be possible to shift him anywhere."
After the arguments, the Bench posted the matter for final hearing on March 11.
Bollywood personalities like Amitabh Bachchan, Madhuri Dixit, R Madhavan and Raveena Tandon have backed the cause for Sunder's release.