Guwahati, Sept. 1 -- The Gauhati High Court has directed a Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC) to consider the rehabilitation of nine elephants from Assam that are allegedly being kept illegally in Tamil Nadu.

In an order passed by Justice Devashis Baruah on August 18 and released on August 31, the High Court also directed the Tamil Nadu government to conduct monthly inspections of the facilities where the elephants are housed.

The court further ordered that, pending a final decision by the HPC, elephants found to be lacking adequate nutrition or other essential care requirements should be seized and rehabilitated in accordance with the law.

The proceedings stem from a petition filed by the Assam government in Septembe...