Kochi: An amicus curiae report submitted to the Kerala High Court recommends implementing strict regulations on the use of elephants in processions. The report advises that elephants should be utilised solely for religious ceremonies, explicitly opposing their presence at private events, inaugurations, and similar functions. Additionally, it calls for mandatory 24-hour rest periods between processions to support the animals' welfare.

Transport and Procession Guidelines
The report further suggests that elephants should not be transported for distances exceeding 100 kilometres per day. It advises maintaining a minimum three-metre gap between elephants during processions and a ten-metre distance between spectators and elephants to ensure safety.

Prohibited Practices and Age Restrictions
Certain practices, including head-raising contests, bowing, or flower showers on elephants, are recommended for prohibition. Moreover, elephants over the age of 65 should be excluded from processions for their well-being.

High Court’s Criticism of Processions
The Kerala High Court recently voiced strong criticism over the use of elephants in festivals, observing that such events often cause distress and fear. The court remarked, "There is reason to be thankful that whales do not live on land," as it reviewed a suo motu petition concerning wild elephants used as captive temple elephants.