SC Directs Kerala Govt To Take Custody Of State's Tallest Elephant Raman
10 Jun 2026 5:00 PM IST10 Jun 2026 5:00 PM IST
The apex court clarified that its order giving custody of Raman is only temporary and will be subject to the final orders passed by it.
"We cannot be a mute spectator, more so in matters pertaining to voiceless animals", SC bench said.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has directed the Kerala government to take over custody of the elephant Raman and house it in an appropriate rehabilitation centre, citing concerns over its welfare and alleged commercial exploitation.
A two-judge Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma noted that the elephant, described as the tallest in the State at 10.53 ft, had been used in ceremonial processions and rituals despite a restraint order. “It is truly unfortunate that the elephant in question i.e., Raman, who also happens to be the tallest elephant in the state of Kerala has been subjected to commercial exploitation despite an order restraining such exploitation, that too on the strength of an undertaking made before this court.”
“We would be failing in our duty towards the voiceless, if we turn a blind eye towards such defiance. We cannot be a mute spectator, more so in matters pertaining to voiceless animals, whose well-being is also of paramount importance,” the court said.
The court held Krishnankutty guilty of contempt for wilfully violating an undertaking given to it and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000.
It clarified that the transfer of custody is temporary and subject to final orders. The State was permitted to care for the elephant at its own expense, in accordance with statutory safeguards under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Bench discharged State authorities from contempt proceedings, noting their attempt to conduct a medical inspection of the elephant.
The order came on a contempt petition filed by Jayakrishna Menon, who claimed the elephant belonged to the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt and had been temporarily entrusted to Krishnankutty for upkeep. Krishnankutty, however, maintained that the elephant was lawfully transferred to him through gift deeds and that he had cared for it for over a decade.
The matter remains pending final adjudication on ownership and custody.
“We would be failing in our duty towards the voiceless, if we turn a blind eye towards such defiance. We cannot be a mute spectator, more so in matters pertaining to voiceless animals, whose well-being is also of paramount importance,” the court said.
The court held Krishnankutty guilty of contempt for wilfully violating an undertaking given to it and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000.
It clarified that the transfer of custody is temporary and subject to final orders. The State was permitted to care for the elephant at its own expense, in accordance with statutory safeguards under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Bench discharged State authorities from contempt proceedings, noting their attempt to conduct a medical inspection of the elephant.
The order came on a contempt petition filed by Jayakrishna Menon, who claimed the elephant belonged to the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt and had been temporarily entrusted to Krishnankutty for upkeep. Krishnankutty, however, maintained that the elephant was lawfully transferred to him through gift deeds and that he had cared for it for over a decade.
The matter remains pending final adjudication on ownership and custody.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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