Calcutta High Court Orders Return of Illegally Transported Elephants

The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal government to prevent the illegal transportation of elephants and ensure the return of the three elephants that were moved to Bihar in violation of wildlife laws.

The court, while hearing a PIL filed by Cape Foundation, noted that elephants were kept in cruel conditions at an ashram in Bihar, suffering injuries from spiked shackles, heavy chains and sharp spears, ergo violating the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

The court also instructed the state to strengthen border controls to stop future illegal elephant transport. The PIL was accordingly allowed.