𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐢 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐲: 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐲𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡.

“She didn’t speak. She didn’t resist. But her eyes told a story the courts ignored.”

For 34 years, Madhuri (also called Mahadevi) wasn’t just an elephant—she was family to the people of Nandani, Kolhapur. Draped in ceremonial cloth and decked with bells, she led religious processions, blessed the faithful, and stood tall as the pride of the Jain Mutt.

But on July 28, 2025, everything changed.
The Supreme Court of India, upholding a Bombay High Court order, mandated her relocation to Vantara Elephant Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

Despite suffering from foot rot and arthritis, Madhuri was moved 850+ kilometres away—against the cries of the local community that raised her.

Supreme Court & Bombay High Court Orders: What the Court Respected

• On July 16, 2025, the Bombay High Court ordered rehabilitation of the 36-year-old elephant Mahadevi (Madhuri) at the Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust, Vantara, Jamnagar. The court prioritized her health and welfare over the Jain Mutt’s religious claims, citing concerns over foot rot, arthritis, and psychological distress from solitary confinement on concrete Reddit+9PETA India+9Rediff+9Instagram+15PETA India+15PETA India+15.
• The Supreme Court, in a bench led by Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, dismissed the Jain Mutt’s appeal on July 28–29, 2025, upholding the High Court directive and emphasizing the fundamental right of the elephant to dignified care PETA India.
• The order specifically instructed authorities to facilitate relocation with Madhuri’s comfort as the top priority and to ensure her safe, humane transport to the Gujarat facility The Times of India+2PETA India+2The Times of India+2.

Events at the Time of Transfer

• On the night of relocation (July 29, 2025), more than 10,000 villagers gathered in Nandani. The emotional farewell escalated into unrest: stones were thrown at forest officials, PETA staff, police, and vehicles—including the animal ambulance—which led to injuries and property damage. Authorities implemented a lathi charge, registering cases against ~80 individuals, and 10 police personnel and at least one activist were injured The New Indian Express+5PETA India+5The Times of India+5.
• Despite these tensions, Madhuri was moved under close security, reaching Jamnagar by July 30, 2025, to begin rehabilitation at Vantara as per court mandates X (formerly Twitter)+15PETA India+15Hindustan Times+15.

What Sparked the Controversy?

This wasn’t a simple case of animal relocation—it was a clash of devotion vs. legislation, religion vs. animal rights, and compassion vs. legal interpretation.

Court Order & Legal Arguments

• The Bombay High Court (July 16) ordered her relocation citing poor conditions.
• The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal on July 28, ending all legal recourse.
• The justification? “The elephant must live in a natural, safe sanctuary.”

PETA India’s Involvement

• PETA claimed Madhuri was kept in chains, suffered untreated medical issues, and needed urgent relocation.
• They filed the petition and pushed for her to be moved to Vantara, India’s largest wildlife rescue center.
• PETA summary of Supreme Court order

Religious & Emotional Bonds Broken

• The Jain Mutt and Kolhapur residents argued she was well-cared for, spiritually integral, and treated like a deity, not livestock.
• Her departure was seen as spiritual and cultural violation by devotees.

Farewell That Broke a Village

The night Madhuri was taken, hundreds gathered.

• Children cried.
• Elders touched her feet one last time.
• Police had to intervene as protests erupted, with villagers blocking roads, chanting prayers, and begging for her to stay.

To them, Madhuri was not a wild animal. She was the soul of the village.

Questions on Vantara’s Intentions ?..

• Activists and locals questioned if corporate-run sanctuaries like Vantara truly offer freedom or are just showpieces.
• Was Madhuri being used for branding or truly given a better life?

Supporting Proofs & References

To ensure transparency, here are the verified documents and links:

📄 Document Type	🔗 Link/Source
Supreme Court Dismissal	PETA Blog – Supreme Court
Bombay High Court Order	TOI Coverage
Protest Coverage & Police Action	TOI Protest Report
Petition to Bring Her Back	Rediff Petition Coverage
Health Condition Details	PETA Full Story
Vantara Sanctuary Info	Suryatara Blog

📥 Download full proof bundle: Madhuri_Proof_Documents.pdf