Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis announces a review petition in the Supreme Court to bring back elephant Mahadevi, aiming to reverse the court’s relocation order and address public concerns.

Maharashtra Government to File Supreme Court Review Petition to Bring Back Elephant Mahadevi

Mumbai / Kolhapur, August 6, 2025 — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the state government will file a review petition in the Supreme Court seeking the return of Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri), the 36‑year‑old elephant formerly housed at the Nandani Jain mutt in Kolhapur. The move comes following a Bombay High Court order directing the elephant’s rehabilitation at Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and a subsequent Supreme Court ruling upholding that directive.

Public Sentiment and Protests

The elephant’s transfer has sparked widespread emotional and political reaction in Kolhapur. On August 3, thousands of residents and devotees marched approximately 45 km from the shrine to the district collector’s office, urging the government to intervene. Led by former MP Raju Shetti, the demonstrators submitted a petition to call attention to what they allege were flawed medical evaluations and procedural missteps in Mahadevi’s relocation.

In response, Fadnavis acknowledged the unrest, affirming that the relocation followed Supreme Court instructions, but underscoring the need to honor public feelings and religious tradition. He stated that the state would proceed with legal measures to ensure Mahadevi’s return.

Government Strategy & Legal Approach

Fadnavis convened a high‑level meeting with ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, and other senior leaders. Representatives from the Jain mutt also participated. During the meeting, Fadnavis emphasized that the elephant had lived at the mutt for 34 years and that public sentiment must be taken into account. He urged that the mutt include the government in its petition while the Forest Department prepares a separate stand for the Supreme Court.

The state government also plans to form a dedicated team, including veterinarians and animal welfare experts. If necessary, it intends to establish a rescue centre near Nandani to care for Mahadevi upon her return. The petition will seek the Supreme Court’s appointment of an independent monitoring committee to inspect her condition and ensure transparency.

Vantara’s Position and Rehabilitation Proposal

Vantara, the wildlife rehabilitation centre in Gujarat—operated under Reliance Foundation—has publicly backed the legal effort to return Mahadevi. Officials clarified they simply served as the court‑appointed recipient facility and did not initiate the elephant’s relocation. They assured that Vantara has no intention of retaining custody and will fully cooperate if the Supreme Court approves a return.

I had an extensive discussion with The Vantara team today in Mumbai. Good news is that they assured me that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant 🐘 ‘Madhuri’ back to the Math.
Vantara told… pic.twitter.com/X75AsYrOIb
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 6, 2025

Moreover, Vantara has offered technical and veterinary assistance to establish a satellite rehabilitation centre near Nandani in coordination with the Jain mutt and the Maharashtra Forest Department. The proposed facility would feature amenities such as:

Hydrotherapy and swimming ponds
Laser therapy rooms
Spacious open habitat without chaining
Sand pits for natural behavior
24/7 veterinary clinic
Soft rubber flooring and sand mounds to alleviate joint and foot ailments

Background: Court Orders and Health Concerns

In mid‑July, the Bombay High Court ordered that the elephant be moved to the Vantara facility due to concerns raised by PETA and a Supreme Court‑appointed High‑Powered Committee. Reports cited signs of physical neglect—such as foot rot, ulcers, nail damage—and psychological stress from long-term performance for religious events. The court ruled that Mahadevi’s well-being took precedence over ritual use.

The Supreme Court, after reviewing the mutt’s petition, dismissed their challenge on July 29, affirming the High Court’s decision. Mahadevi was moved to Jamnagar shortly thereafter. During her departure, there was strong emotional turnout; some local activists were injured amid resistance to her removal.

Political and Cultural Dimensions

The elephant’s case has become a flashpoint in Maharashtra politics. Legislators and leaders—from local MLAs to state ministers—have aligned with the mutt’s claims, stating that Mahadevi holds deep religious and cultural significance. Former MP Shetti questioned how the elephant allegedly suffered fractures within 48 hours of relocation, citing multiple conflicting medical reports.

MLC Satej Patil voiced support via social media, stating that the government’s stance reflects respect for Jain community sentiments and public emotion. Pawar has directed the Forest Department to track other elephants removed from Maharashtra temples for rehabilitation or relocation, hinting at a broader policy review.

A review petition will be filed jointly by the mutt and the Maharashtra government in the Supreme Court to overturn or modify the earlier ruling.
The legal team will request appointment of an independent assessment panel by the Supreme Court.
A recovery and rehabilitation strategy will be implemented, potentially including construction of a specialized centre in Kolhapur.
Vantara has pledged full cooperation in case of Mahadevi’s return, and the state is preparing to assist in the transition process.

This confluence of legal, political, cultural, and welfare concerns makes Mahadevi’s case a landmark in how India balances religious tradition with modern animal rights standards.