Mohanlal Seeks Fresh Clearance for Elephant Tusks Under Amnesty Scheme
The High Court had cancelled the ownership certificates issued to the two pairs of elephant tusks and 13 ivory artefacts in Mohanlal's possession
Malayalam actor Mohanlal has decided to submit details of the elephant tusks in his possession to the Forest Department. Mohanlal is furnishing the details under the one-time amnesty announced by the Forest Department following observations made by the Kerala High Court, and the application he submitted to the Malayattoor DFO in March has been forwarded to the Chief Wildlife Warden.
The declaration is being made under the Kerala Forest Department's one-time amnesty scheme, introduced after the Kerala High Court's observations prompted the government to amend the Kerala Wildlife (Protection) Rules and create a mechanism for the voluntary declaration of animal articles and trophies in private possession.
The High Court had cancelled the ownership certificates issued to the two pairs of elephant tusks and 13 ivory artefacts in Mohanlal's possession.
The court did not declare the ivory illegal; it held that the ownership certificates had been issued without following the prescribed procedure and directed the authorities to act accordingly.
The court had observed that the state government could issue a fresh notification allowing individuals or groups to disclose wildlife products in their possession and obtain protection from legal proceedings. The current process is being carried out on the basis of this observation.
