The following are the Court’s directions for immediate implementation:

Inclusion of a representative from the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) in the District Committees established under Rule 10 of the 2012 Rules.
Organisers of festivals to submit a detailed application to the District Committee at least one month before the event, which must include the elephant’s identification details, the dates of the proposed exhibition, information on temporary tethering facilities, details on the procession route and timings, a veterinary health certificate, and a declaration regarding the elephant’s health status, musth periods, and any instances of the elephant running amok within the past year.
The District Committee may only grant permission for elephant exhibitions if the organizer can provide evidence of arrangements for adequate food, water, and shelter.
The tethering site must meet certain criteria, such as cleanliness, ample space for the elephant to move, and access to potable water. The venue must also provide enough space for the elephants, ensuring a minimum distance between elephants and from sources of fire, percussion displays, or the public. Further, the parade route must have sufficient space to safely parade elephants without compromising their welfare or public safety.
Temporary tethering facilities at festival sites must adhere to strict guidelines, including the requirement for shelter with a minimum floor area of 9 meters by 6 meters and a height of at least 5.5 meters. The site must provide shade, proper drainage, and continuous access to clean water. The floor should be made of natural materials to keep it dry, and waste removal must be ensured to prevent elephants from standing in their own refuse.
The parade venue for elephants must also meet certain requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. These include maintaining a minimum distance of 3 meters between elephants, 5 meters from sources of fire and at least 8 meters from the public.
No procession of elephants through public roads shall be permitted between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm and they should not be transported between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am or made to walk more than 30 kilometers a day for transportation. Any travel beyond this distance must be carried out by a vehicle approved for transporting elephants.
No elephant should be exhibited for a continuous period exceeding 3 hours.
Elephants Should receive at least 8 hours of rest during any 24-hour period.
Fireworks or fire-related activities should be situated at least 100 meters away from the elephants, and the route should avoid exposing elephants to excessive heat, with provisions for feeding and providing water along the route.
The Principal Secretary of the Forests and Wildlife Department should submit an affidavit explaining the circumstances under which Government Orders, such as G.O (Ms.) No. 19/2022/F&WLD, were issued, particularly those extending deadlines for complying with the Supreme Court’s directions. This affidavit must clarify whether the government has complied with the Supreme Court’s orders and provide reasons if non-compliance has occurred.
Organisers and Devaswoms (of temples or religious organisations) should not deploy “Elephant Squads” during festivals or exhibitions where elephants are being paraded.
Use of 'capture belts' or any inhumane methods of capturing elephants that may misbehave or run amok is prohibited.

Former Kochhar Partner Gaurav Sahay joins HSA in Bangalore