Kochi: The High Court has said that the recently issued guidelines regarding the parade of elephants, including during festivals, cannot be changed. Strict guidelines have been issued keeping in mind the safety of the people and the maintenance of the elephants. Devaswoms should give up their stubbornness in this regard. It cannot be said that the parade of elephants during festivals is an unavoidable ritual. If there are sufficient reasons to reduce the distance, please let us know. The division bench also said that the guidelines cannot be changed considering the expressions of opinion.
The Thiruvampadi Devaswom responded that Pooram celebrations would have to be shortened in the wake of the High Court order. New regulations will create obstacles. The beauty and splendor of the Pooram will disappear. There should be government intervention. Everyone in Tamil Nadu came together and got a decree in favor of Jallikattu. There is no objection to the court. Thiruvampadi Devaswom Secretary K Girish Kumar asked for concessions, seeing the ritual in its own way.
