The movement to bring back Madhuri elephant to Kolhapur has gained strong momentum after Vantara, the renowned animal rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, extended its full support to the Maharashtra Government’s petition in the Supreme Court. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Vantara will stand with the state in its legal battle to return Madhuri to her home at the Shri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Jain Monastery (Math) in Nandani village, Kolhapur.
Vantara Agrees to Support Supreme Court Petition
I had an extensive discussion with The Vantara team today in Mumbai. Good news is that they assured me that they are happy to join Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for the smooth passage of the elephant 🐘 ‘Madhuri’ back to the Math.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 6, 2025
Vantara told… pic.twitter.com/X75AsYrOIb
Chief Minister Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that after an in-depth discussion with the Vantara team in Mumbai, they agreed to back the Maharashtra Government’s petition. The petition seeks a smooth and rightful return of the Madhuri elephant to the monastery where she lived for over three decades. Sharing this update on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Fadnavis expressed optimism, stating, “Good news is that Vantara assured me they are happy to join Maharashtra Government’s petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court for a smooth passage of the elephant ‘Madhuri’ back to the Math.”
Madhuri’s Transfer to Vantara Sparks Public Outcry
Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, is a 36-year-old elephant who had been living peacefully at the Jain Math in Nandani for more than 30 years. However, following a Bombay High Court order dated July 16, she was relocated to Vantara’s Jamnagar facility after an NGO raised concerns regarding her health and psychological condition. This court-mandated move triggered widespread protests across Kolhapur and nearby regions.
Thousands of local residents participated in a massive silent rally on Sunday, walking from Nandani village to the district collector’s office. Their sole demand was to bring back Madhuri elephant to her original home. The people of Kolhapur expressed deep emotional attachment to Madhuri, considering her not just an elephant but a spiritual symbol connected to their faith and culture.
Vantara Clarifies Its Role in Madhuri’s Transfer
Amid rising public anger, Vantara clarified that it had not requested Madhuri’s relocation to its centre. The organization stated that it only acted as a “court-appointed recipient facility” to provide temporary shelter as per legal directives. Vantara emphasized that it had no intention of keeping Madhuri away from her home and was fully committed to assisting in a smooth resolution.
Plans to Build a Rescue Centre in Kolhapur for Madhuri
To address concerns about Madhuri’s well-being and to ensure compliance with legal and animal welfare standards, the Maharashtra Government announced a plan to establish a dedicated rescue and rehabilitation centre near the Nandani monastery. This new facility will be constructed with state-of-the-art amenities, following guidelines provided by a Supreme Court-appointed high-powered committee.
Chief Minister Fadnavis informed reporters in Vaijapur that the Vantara team had also agreed to collaborate in setting up this rescue centre. He said, “We have also spoken to the people of Vantara and sought their support for this. They have agreed to it.” The centre will be located on the periphery of the Nandani Math, allowing Madhuri to return to her spiritual environment while ensuring proper care and medical supervision.
Legal Background of the Case
The entire controversy began when an NGO complained to the Forest Department and the Supreme Court-appointed committee about Madhuri’s alleged deteriorating health and psychological suffering at the Math. Acting on these complaints, the Bombay High Court passed an order on July 16, directing that Madhuri be moved to Vantara for rehabilitation. The Math authorities challenged this decision in the Supreme Court, but on July 25, the apex court upheld the High Court’s verdict, leading to Madhuri’s relocation to Jamnagar.
However, following public outrage and detailed discussions with Vantara, the Maharashtra Government decided to file a fresh petition in the Supreme Court, seeking Madhuri’s return to Kolhapur. The new petition is being strengthened by Vantara’s official support, which significantly improves the chances of a favorable judgment.
Also read: Mahadevi Elephant vantara: Anant Ambani Proposes Rehabilitation Center in Kolhapur
Emotional Bond Between Madhuri and Kolhapur Residents
The demand to bring back Madhuri elephant is not just a legal issue but a heartfelt sentiment for the people of Kolhapur. For over 30 years, Madhuri has been a beloved figure, taking part in religious ceremonies, processions, and temple events. Her absence has left a void that the local community is eager to fill.
The announcement of a specialized rescue centre near the Math has brought hope to thousands of supporters who wish to see Madhuri return to her familiar surroundings while ensuring her welfare is not compromised.
Also read: Will Vantara Be Open for Public? Here’s What You Need to Know
Conclusion
The collaboration between the Maharashtra Government and Vantara to bring back Madhuri elephant marks a positive step towards resolving this emotional and sensitive issue. With public sentiment strongly favoring Madhuri’s return and a legal strategy being strengthened, hopes are high that the beloved elephant will soon be back in Kolhapur, in a safe and caring environment designed especially for her.
