Joymala issue: Gauhati High Court directs Tamil Nadu to allow inspection by Assam team

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Friday directed various officials of the Tamil Nadu Government, including its Chief Secretary and Chief Wildlife Warden, to ensure within three days after receipt of the court's order that a team of officials from Assam, which is presently camping at Chennai, is permitted to inspect the elephant 'Joymala' to verify its health condition.

By way of ad-interim relief in connection with a Writ Petition filed by the State Government and others under Article 226 (2) of the Constitution of India, the Gauhati High Court also directed Tamil Nadu's Director General of Police to provide adequate police protection to the team from Assam which is camping there.

Assam's Advocate General Devajit Saikia submitted that the elephant 'Joymala' was transported to the State of Tamil Nadu based on an NOC (no objection certificate) and Transit Pass issued by the State of Assam on September 8, 2011, permitting the animal to be retained in the Nachiyar Temple at Srivilliputhur in Tamil Nadu for three years. However, after the expiry of the term of the NOC, the elephant has not been returned to Assam.

On the other hand, the petitioners have received information that the elephant in question has been meted out brutal treatment by the persons holding it in captivity. However, the officials of the Government of Tamil Nadu are showing reluctance to render assistance in rescuing the elephant.

Saikia stated that the State Government had made arrangements for the return of 'Joymala' as well as eight other elephants belonging to Assam which are now in Tamil Nadu. Initially, the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu had issued an NOC for the return of the elephants and had also requested the Assam Government to make payment of the cost of keeping the elephants in custody till their return to Assam. The Assam Government had also agreed to bear the cost. However, since then, there has been no response from the departmental officials of Tamil Nadu.

Saikia further informed the court that a high-level team constituted under the chairmanship of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Assam has been camping at Chennai since September 3 last to take a stock of the health of 'Joymala'. However, due to a complete lack of cooperation from the officials of Tamil Nadu, the team from Assam has not been able to inspect the elephant till Friday.

Thereupon, the High Court issued its directive to the officials of the Tamil Nadu Government.

Also Read:  Assam moves to court for custody of elephant Joymala

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