The Calcutta High Court has directed West Bengal to disclose the whereabouts of 21 captive elephants allegedly transported out of the State.
- High Court Seeks Details on Missing Captive Elephants
- Petition Raised Concerns Over Illegal Transportation
- Court Focuses on Two Untraceable Circus Elephants
- Authorities Asked to Report Status of Remaining Elephants
- Six Weeks Granted for Compliance
- Wildlife Protection and Accountability
- Key Takeaways
- Case Details
High Court Seeks Details on Missing Captive Elephants
The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Government to provide a detailed account of 21 captive elephants that were taken outside the State, including two elephants formerly associated with a circus whose present whereabouts remain unknown.
The direction came while disposing of proceedings arising from a petition filed by an animal welfare organisation seeking the return of elephants allegedly transported from West Bengal without lawful permission.
The matter was heard by a Division Bench of Justice Ravi Krishan Kapur and Justice Arindam Mukherjee.
Petition Raised Concerns Over Illegal Transportation
The litigation dates back to 2018 when the petitioner alleged that several captive elephants registered in West Bengal had been moved outside the State in violation of wildlife regulations.
The organisation relied on information obtained under the Right to Information Act, which indicated that 24 registered captive elephants were no longer within West Bengal.
It sought directions for identifying the animals and ensuring their return wherever transportation had taken place illegally.
Court Focuses on Two Untraceable Circus Elephants
During the hearing, the Court noted that the dispute has substantially narrowed over time.
According to the records placed before the Bench, three elephants belonging to one circus have already been shifted to Gorumara Wildlife Park, resolving that part of the dispute.
However, the Court observed that two elephants previously associated with another circus remain untraceable and their present location has not been disclosed.
The Bench therefore sought a complete explanation regarding their whereabouts.
Authorities Asked to Report Status of Remaining Elephants
Apart from the two missing elephants, the Court also directed the State authorities to disclose the present status of the remaining 19 elephants that had earlier been granted temporary permission to leave West Bengal.
The Bench instructed the Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and the Chief Wildlife Warden to provide complete particulars regarding the present location and condition of all the concerned elephants.
The Court also sought details of the measures taken to identify and recover the elephants in accordance with its earlier directions.
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Six Weeks Granted for Compliance
Recognising that considerable time had passed since the petition was instituted, the Court directed the concerned authorities to furnish the required information within six weeks.
Once the details are placed on record, the petitioner has been granted liberty to pursue further legal remedies, if necessary.
The Court emphasised the need for prompt compliance so that the status of the elephants can be properly verified.
Wildlife Protection and Accountability
The order underscores the responsibility of wildlife authorities to monitor the movement of captive animals and ensure compliance with statutory permissions governing their transportation.
By directing the State to disclose the present status of the elephants, the Court has sought greater accountability in matters involving captive wildlife and enforcement of conservation laws.
Also Read: Orissa High Court Rejects Odisha Government’s Delayed Appeal, Imposes ₹1 Lakh Costs in Pension Case
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court directed West Bengal to disclose the whereabouts of 21 captive elephants.
- The case originated from a 2018 petition alleging illegal transportation of registered elephants.
- Two elephants formerly associated with a circus remain untraceable.
- Authorities must also report the status of 19 other elephants that left the State with temporary permission.
- The State has been directed to submit complete details within six weeks.
- Petitioners may take further legal steps after receiving the information.
Case Details
Court: Calcutta High Court
Bench: Justice Ravi Krishan Kapur and Justice Arindam Mukherjee
