CHENNAI: The Chennai-based animal welfare group, People for Cattle in India (PFCI), has asked the Gauhati High Court to rescue and care for Joymala (Jeymalyatha), an elephant that has allegedly been abused and neglected. She has been kept at the Arulmigu Nachiyar (Andal) Temple in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, for over ten years, even though her transfer order ended in 2013.
PFCI has accused the temple management of illegally detaining and mistreating the elephant, ignoring multiple complaints about her deteriorating condition. The organization has submitted video evidence from February 2021 and June 2022, showing Joymala being brutally beaten by her mahouts.
The reports from the District Level Captive Elephants Welfare Committee (DLEWC) for 2022 and 2023 show serious problems, such as elephants being tied for long hours, not getting enough food, lacking exercise, and suffering from extreme stress. Even with these issues, Tamil Nadu authorities have not taken proper action.
In June 2023, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department’s Deputy Director acknowledged Joymala’s poor condition but did not implement any corrective measures. PFCI has suggested using mechanical elephants in temple rituals instead of live ones. Many temples in Kerala have already adopted this humane solution. This would help preserve traditions without harming real elephants.
Apart from asking for Joymala’s release, PFCI has also complained to the police against the temple authorities, claiming they were physically attacked and threatened. On December 23, 2024, PFCI founder Arun Prasanna G. visited the temple to see Joymala’s condition but was allegedly attacked by a mahout and temple staff.
When he attempted to file an FIR, his request was reportedly denied at the local police station, forcing him to escalate the matter to the Superintendent of Police, Virudhunagar District. PFCI’s petition argues that Joymala’s continued confinement at the temple violates the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ 2008 guidelines for captive elephants. The organization is demanding her immediate transfer to a wildlife sanctuary, where she can live unchained, free from abuse, and in a natural environment.