Chennai: Asserting that the integration of captive animals into religious ceremonies cannot exist in a legal vacuum, the Madras high court has directed the Tamil Nadu govt to come up with a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the participation of elephants in religious functions and temple festivals.“Elephants hold a significant place in the cultural, historical, and religious traditions of the state, where they participate in rituals and processions governed by ancient temple customs,” the first bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan said.However, the integration of captive animals into religious ceremonies cannot exist in a legal vacuum; scriptural traditions must strictly accord with constitutional values, statutory safeguards, and the fundamental duty enjoined upon the state and citizens under Article 51A(g) of the Constitution to show compassion to living creatures, the court added.The court directed the state to constitute a joint working group comprising the chief wildlife warden, the commissioner of HR and CE, and expert veterinary officers. The working group shall draft and submit comprehensive, standardized governing, pre-festival health and microchip verification, transportation protocols, handler and mahout standards, and safety and environmental thresholds, the bench said.The court added that pending the finalisation and formal notification of the SOP, the officials shall ensure strict, unyielding compliance with the existing statutory provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.Any violation of animal welfare standards or unapproved transportation during the pendency of these proceedings shall be met with immediate statutory action by the chief wildlife warden and the enforcement authorities, the judges said and adjourned the hearing to Oct 30.The court passed the interim order on a PIL moved by Seva Trust seeking formation of a SOP governing the participation of elephants in religious functions and temple festivals.