Elephant Madhuri's Return: A Supreme Court Saga

The Maharashtra government, in coordination with Vantara animal rehabilitation centre, is advancing efforts to return a 36-year-old elephant named Madhuri to a Jain monastery in Kolhapur. The collaboration seeks Supreme Court intervention following the elephant's recent relocation to Vantara's facility in Jamnagar.

Madhuri's relocation was initially ordered by the Bombay High Court due to reported health and psychological concerns. The Supreme Court upheld the order after the monastery challenged it. Despite not initiating the relocation, Vantara is now joining the government's petition for Madhuri's return.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans for a new rescue centre near the monastery, aligning with Supreme Court-set guidelines. The local community supports returning Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, with rallies urging her return to the Nandani monastery.

(With inputs from agencies.)