A panicked elephant Somanna ran amok during the Dasara celebration in Shivamogga on Oct 21
He cited Supreme Court’s judgment in Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja and Others (2014), arguing that animals should also enjoy the right to life under Article 21. He also cited Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, Project Elephant and Union environment ministry guidelines, and Animal Welfare Board of India’s concerns over elephants in processions.
He said he would also petition President Droupadi Murmu, the Prime Minister and Supreme Court. Every animal deserved dignity, respect and freedom from pain, he said. Stanly said chaining elephants for hours amid drums, bands and firecrackers, and making them carry a howdah weighing more than 750kg for four to five hours during Dasara processions, violated their rights.
In a petition to governor, chief minister, forest minister, officials, Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, Karnataka Animal Welfare Board and Chief Justice of high court, Stanly alleged that using elephants in Dasara celebrations was unconstitutional and violated their right to live with dignity. Citing incidents in which howdah-carrying elephants reportedly lost control and caused public panic at Shivamogga Dasara on Wednesday and Mysuru Palace premises last year, Stanly said govt should reconsider their use at public celebrations.