Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state govt to file a response by Aug 17 to allegations concerning the health, welfare and safety of elephants at Jaipur’s Hathi Gaon after the amicus curiae said the state’s affidavit contained only “generic” claims without supporting documents.A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Bhuvan Goyal issued the direction while hearing a suo motu petition on the welfare of elephants.In its affidavit, the state govt said guidelines issued by the Centre for elephant welfare were being followed at Hathi Gaon. “The elephants housed at Hathi Gaon were in healthy condition and a functional veterinary clinic was available at the facility. The health of the elephants was being monitored periodically,” the govt affidavit said.Chief Conservator of Forests was present during the hearing.Amicus curiae Shobhit Tiwari, however, argued that the affidavit lacked documentary evidence to support the claims. He submitted that medical records and other relevant documents were not annexed, making it impossible for the court to verify the state’s assertions on the elephants’ health and monitoring.Tiwari also referred to the cases of two elephants, Malti and Chanchal. He submitted that Malti was unwell and was proposed to be shifted to Vantara in Jamnagar for treatment. He further alleged that Chanchal was painted pink and later died.The amicus also informed the court about a telephone call purportedly received from a tourist from Gurgaon, who alleged that a family paid Rs 4,500 for an elephant ride at Hathi Gaon when the elephant went berserk and threw them into a pond. The family reportedly included two children aged 6 and 3 years.Taking note of the submissions, the bench observed that specific allegations were placed before it and required a proper response from the state authorities. The matter was listed for further hearing on Aug 17.
