Mumbai, Aug 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, presided over a meeting involving representatives from various political parties and officials on Tuesday. He announced that the state government intends to file a review petition in the Supreme Court to facilitate the return of the 36-year-old elephant Mahadevi to the Nandani Monastery in the Kolhapur District. Mahadevi has been relocated to the Vantara wildlife rehabilitation facility located in Gujarat.

In addition, the Forest Department will present a comprehensive independent position in the Supreme Court, addressing all concerns raised by the high-level committee in accordance with the Central Zoo Authority's guidelines.

This meeting was convened in light of the ongoing public discourse surrounding Mahadevi's situation at Nandani Monastery, especially after the Bombay High Court permitted her transfer to Vantara on July 16.

The court's ruling was based on findings that Mahadevi had been living in solitary confinement and was in deteriorating physical and mental health.

The decision followed a petition by the animal rights organization People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which had previously alerted the Maharashtra forest department and the Supreme Court's High-Powered Committee (HPC) about the elephant's health and psychological state.

PETA highlighted that Mahadevi suffers from painful arthritis and foot rot due to her isolation, which has led to psychological distress, as elephants are inherently social creatures.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's ruling on July 22, leading to Mahadevi's eventual relocation to Vantara on July 28 after initial resistance from temple authorities.

This prompted a silent rally in Kolhapur advocating for the elephant's return.

CM Fadnavis emphasized that the state government's actions aim to reflect the public sentiment advocating for Mahadevi's return.

He stated that Mahadevi has been part of the Nandani Monastery for 34 years, and there is a strong public desire for her return. Consequently, the state government will pursue a review petition in the Supreme Court, suggesting that the monastery should also be included as a party in this petition.

Moreover, the Forest Department will submit a detailed independent position in the Supreme Court, addressing all points recommended by the high-level committee following the Central Zoo Authority’s standards.

To ensure proper care for Mahadevi, the state government plans to form a dedicated team and provide all necessary support. If necessary, arrangements akin to a rescue center will be established, with facilities tailored accordingly. There will also be a request in the petition for the Supreme Court to appoint an independent committee to evaluate these facilities,” declared the Chief Minister.

Furthermore, he mentioned that any cases filed against citizens concerning this matter will be retracted.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar directed the Forest Department to gather information about all elephants that have been removed from Maharashtra.