This is an interim order by the Supreme Court, based on petitions filed by the Wild Life Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and other animal welfare organizations.
The Supreme Court today threatened that it will take action for 'contempt of court,' if owners of animals are found to have been cruel to them, even if it was for a festival ritual.
A contempt of court conviction can lead to jail time.
This is an interim order by the Supreme Court, based on petitions filed by the Wild Life Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and other animal welfare organizations. The next hearing is scheduled for July 14.
"All organizations, owners of animals, festival coordination committee (are) to see that any animal engaged in any festival activity/ any activity relating to festivity, is not treated with cruelty. If established before this court, any instance of cruelty, all the organizers, committee members, private owners will be liable for contempt."
Last May, the Supreme Court banned the use of bulls for Jallikattu races, or bullock-cart races, which are held across the country after the harvest season. The top court said that it hoped the ban will put an end to a barbaric practice.
Today, the petitioners argued that there should be a ban on the use of captive elephants and cruelty to them during festivals like the Thrissur Pooram. Animal rights activists have protested against the use of "chained, thirsty and overworked" elephants at the annual festival in Kerala.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals moved the Kerala High Court last month against using 'live' elephants. Hollywood actor Pamela Anderson offered to pay for faux elephants made of bamboo.