In a significant intervention, the Bombay High Court has issued urgent directives to save the life of a 59-year-old elephant named Manik, who is critically ill and suffering from acute arthritis. The court's order paves the way for the animal's immediate transfer to a specialized treatment facility.
Court's Directive for Immediate Action
The division bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Justices Sarang Kotwal and Ashish Chavan, on Thursday directed all concerned authorities to take swift and urgent steps to facilitate the treatment of the ailing elephant. The bench explicitly stated that once Manik recovers, he shall be brought back to Goa, ensuring the order's intent is for treatment and not permanent relocation.
The court permitted Manik to be transported from his current home at the Jungle Book Resort in Collem, Goa, to the Vantara Animal Rescue Centre in Gujarat. This move is contingent upon a go-ahead from the department of animal husbandry or its nominated representative.
Fast-Tracking the Rescue Mission
Understanding the critical nature of the elephant's health, the High Court has mandated a priority process. It directed all relevant authorities to issue a necessary transit pass for the transport on an urgent and priority basis. The order is emphatic, stating that this must be done irrespective of whether such passes are typically issued on a holiday, highlighting the life-and-death urgency of the situation.
The legal plea was initiated by the Jungle Book Resort itself, which has been caring for Manik since 2009. Represented by advocate Vivek Rodrigues along with Laban Carvalho, the resort approached the court seeking directions to the forest department to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Their petition stated that no further medical intervention is possible for Manik within Goa, necessitating the transfer to the advanced facilities at Vantara for proper treatment.
A Lifeline for Manik
This judicial order comes as a crucial lifeline for the elderly elephant battling severe arthritis. The condition has left him critically ill, with local medical options exhausted. The Vantara Animal Rescue Centre in Gujarat is known for its state-of-the-art wildlife healthcare and rehabilitation services, offering the best hope for Manik's recovery.
The case underscores the growing judicial activism in matters of animal welfare in India. By intervening directly and cutting through bureaucratic red tape, the Bombay High Court has set a precedent for expedited care and highlighted the responsibility of custodians to seek the best possible treatment for animals under their care, even if it means crossing state borders.
