Bangalore: The state government yet again confirmed its stand before the high court on the “golden howdah” ritual during Dasara festivities, saying it is the pride of every Kannadiga and cannot be considered animal cruelty under any provision prescribed under the law.
Government advocate R.G. Kolle made the submissions even as the 13-member task force, led by Raman Sukumar of the IISc, stressed upon two specific recommendations of the task force — making the lead elephant of Dasara procession to drag a cart containing the golden howdah, instead of carrying it, and the constitution of an expert committee to look into issues of man-animal conflict. The government has rejected both recommendations, while accepting other suggestions of the task force.
A bench headed by Chief Justice D.H. Waghela wanted to know whether making the lead elephant carry the “golden howdah”, which weighs up to 750 kg, was a violation of prevention of animal cruelty laws. Kolle argued that it is decades-old ritual, where the animal too is worshipped, and it is not a violation of any law.
Karnataka Chief Wildlife Warden G.S. Prabhu, who was present at the court, said, “If the animals are illtreated, it would reflect in their eyes. The Dasara procession has never had any untoward incident till date,” he told the high court.
The bench observed that it would impose its views on the “golden howdah” issue and expressed that it has no objection to the ritual. On the constitution of an expert committee as sought by the task force, Kolle made it clear that it would be in violation of Section 6 of the Wildlife Protection Act. The court adjourned the matter to Monday, while asking the state to make its final submission.