1. On 14.02.2025, when this matter was taken up for consideration, the learned Senior Counsel for the petitioner pointed out an incident that happened on 13.02.2025 in connection with the annual festival of Manakkulangara Temple near Koyilandi. Three elderly persons died in the stampede caused on account of two elephants getting violent due to the bursting of crackers. Those elephants, belonging to Guruvayoor Devaswom, were taken to Koyilandi from Punnathur Anakkotta at Guruvayoor.

2. Pursuant to the direction contained in the order dated 14.02.2025, the additional 13th respondent Deputy Administrator (Livestock), Guruvayoor Devaswom is personally present in Court along with the feeding register, transportation register and other statutory registers maintained in respect of captive elephants at Punnathur Anakkotta. The statutory registers in respect of the captive elephants by name Gokul and Peethambaran are made available for the perusal of this Court. The learned Standing Counsel would submit that statutory registers in respect of other elephants in Punnathur Anakkotta have also been brought to the Court. The Veterinary Surgeon, Guruvayoor Devaswom is also personally present in C