Guwahati, Sept. 18 -- The Gauhati High Court has declined to issue a restraint order against the transportation of five captive elephants from Assam to temples in Tamil Nadu.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury observed that there was no justification, as of now, to issue a restraint order unless it is demonstrated that the mandatory regulatory clearances have not been obtained.

"Prima facie, we find no reason, as on date, to pass any restraint order, unless it is clearly shown that necessary clearances have not been obtained. However, keeping in mind the importance of maintaining the health of the elephants, who are captives with private persons, from being put to unscrupulous/unautho...