Kerala HC Examines Elephants' Possession Rights Controversy

The Kerala High Court is scrutinizing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) which disputes a recent government decision allowing the declaration of elephant possession. Critics assert this policy contradicts a prior Supreme Court ruling by potentially legitimizing illicit ownership of elephants.

Initiated by the Walking Eye Foundation for Animal Advocacy, this PIL raises alarms over a government order granting a 45-day window for declaring possession of wildlife items, including captive elephants. The petition suggests that permitting such declarations could lead to illegal ownership certification in defiance of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

With 388 captive elephants in Kerala, most privately owned, the NGO insists many lack proper ownership documentation. The high court has called upon the Environment Ministry, Kerala government, and Animal Welfare Board of India to clarify their stances. The hearing is slated for June 1.

(With inputs from agencies.)