Mohanlal’s Ivory Ownership Certificate Cancelled
In a significant ruling, the Mohanlal ivory possession case took a fresh turn as the Kerala High Court cancelled the actor’s ownership certificate for four elephant tusks that were seized in 2011. The court directed the state government to issue a fresh notification following proper legal procedures, citing the earlier certificate’s lack of statutory enforcement.
Case Background
The case dates to June 2011 when the Income Tax Department raided Mohanlal’s Kochi residence and seized the tusks. In 2015, a certificate of ownership was issued to the actor, but the trial court and high court questioned its validity due to absence of a gazette notification and failure to comply with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Legal Ruling and Implications
The high court’s decision cancels the certificate and mandates that the state-government file a new notification to validate ownership claims. The actor’s plea had been dismissed earlier, and trial proceedings have been underway at the Perumbavoor Magistrate Court. The ruling may open renewed scrutiny of the actor’s ivory possession and may affect the status of the case.
Wider Significance
Legal observers suggest the judgement reinforces precedent that ownership certificates issued for wildlife articles must strictly follow the Wildlife Protection Act’s requirements, including official gazette notification. The ruling is viewed as a setback for the actor and a win for wildlife-law enforcement efforts in Kerala.
