PIL BEFORE DELHI HC SEEKING RELEASE OF AN ELEPHANT HELP CAPTIVATED FOR 17 YEARS

After hearing a Public Interest Litigation seeking relocation of a 17 years solitary captivated, lone African Elephant, the Delhi HC issued notice to the Central Zoo Authority, Central government, Delhi government, and National Zoological Park. The HC also sought a response from the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change and the Animal Welfare Board.

The plea informed the bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh that the Zimbabwe Government gifted two African elephants, Shankar and Bombai, to India in 1998. In 2005, Bombai passed away due to the “unyielding environment.” Since then, Shankar had been confined alone for 17 years at the National Zoological Park in Delhi. He had been confined in dreadful conditions, with both the legs chained for 17 years. He had no space and, within multiple railway tracks within 100 meters. He had no visual, olfactory, or vocal communication with any other species. 

Shankar had been a victim of cruelty at the hands of the caretaker. His solitary confinement has resulted in neurological and mental damage. 

Therefore, Shankar should be released into a wildlife sanctuary that houses several African Elephants. Further, similar steps should be taken to translocate all the animals held captive across the country.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal