JUDGMENT

The above Writ Petition (C) is filed with the following prayers:

"i. Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order or direction directing the 2nd respondent to consider and dispose of Exhibit P2 application dated 17.01.2025 submitted by the petitioner seeking permission/one-time registration for the use of an elephant in connection with the temple festival, in accordance with the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules , 2012, within a time frame to be fixed by this Hon’ble Court;

ii. Issue such other writ, order or direction as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case. "

[SIC]

2. The petitioner herein is Shri Vettakaran Vana Durga Devi Temple, represented by the Secretary of its Temple Committee. According to the petitioner, an elephant had been traditionally used for the temple festival procession as part of the religious belief and customary practice associated with the temple rituals. Afte