Elephant Madhuri returns to Kolhapur's Nandani seer after 13-month legal battle

The famous elephant of Nandani seer in Kolhapur district's Shirol taluka, known by the names Mahadevi and Madhuri, has finally returned home after a 13-month legal battle. Madhuri, who had been living at the Vantara rehabilitation centre in Gujarat, is back in Kolhapur following court proceedings and an order from the High Power Committee. When Madhuri entered Kolhapur, the entire village of Nandani was ready to welcome her, and villagers gave her an enthusiastic reception.

Vantara issued a statement on Thursday about the return of Madhuri, known in Kolhapur as Mahadevi. According to the statement, Madhuri has been permitted to return to Kolhapur, a decision taken following an order by the High Power Committee (HPC) on September 9.

The HPC approved Madhuri's return after hearing both sides, reviewing reports and inspecting the facility at Nandani in Maharashtra. The order includes several conditions, including that Madhuri cannot be used for any procession or any other purpose.

Vantara said the elephant would need round-the-clock care and a medical check-up every two weeks. According to HPC directions, Madhuri had been brought to Vantara in Jamnagar on July 30, 2025. These directions had also been approved by the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. Vantara said it had not sought custody of Madhuri, but had kept and cared for her as per the directions.

Last year, animal rights organisation PETA India had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court claiming that Madhuri suffered from arthritis and serious leg ailments and was not being properly cared for at the seer. Based on PETA's petition, the Bombay High Court and subsequently the Supreme Court had in July 2025 ordered that Madhuri be sent to the Vantara wildlife rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for better medical treatment. She was accordingly taken to Vantara on July 28, 2025.

Madhuri's transfer to Gujarat had sparked anger among devotees not just in Kolhapur but across Maharashtra. Former MP Raju Shetti, representatives of Nandani seer and local residents undertook a 45-kilometre foot march for Madhuri, held protest marches and shutdowns, and also went on hunger strike. Boycott campaigns were also run on social media to pressure the Vantara administration.

Taking note of the sentiments of the people of Kolhapur, the Maharashtra government also stepped into the legal fight. Advocate Manoj Patil, representing Nandani seer, filed a review petition before the Supreme Court's High Power Committee. Following this, the Vantara administration too took a positive stance in court on Madhuri's return to Kolhapur. On the court's directions, a high-level joint committee visited Nandani seer for an inspection. Some state-of-the-art facilities and a medical centre were also built for Madhuri at the seer.

After an online hearing on September 9, 2026, the High Power Committee gave official approval on September 10, 2026, for Madhuri's return to Kolhapur with certain conditions. Madhuri cannot be used for any religious procession, festival or labour. Round-the-clock special arrangements must be maintained at the seer for her safety and health. A detailed medical examination will be conducted every 15 days, for which Vantara's expert doctors will themselves visit Nandani seer.