SC directs Kerala govt to take custody of state’s tallest elephant Raman
Supreme Court Orders Kerala Government to Care for Tallest Elephant, Raman
SC directs Kerala govt to take – The Supreme Court has mandated that the Kerala government assume responsibility for Raman, the state’s tallest elephant, measuring 10.53 feet. The directive emphasizes the need to ensure the well-being of voiceless animals, which the court deemed a top priority.
Contempt for Defiance of Previous Orders
Justice Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma highlighted that Raman had faced commercial exploitation, including participation in ceremonial events and rituals. They noted that the elephant, despite a prior order halting such activities, continued to be used commercially based on an undertaking made in court.
“It is truly unfortunate that Raman, the tallest elephant in Kerala, has endured commercial exploitation even after an order was issued to restrict it. This defiance, supported by an earlier promise to the court, warrants attention,” the bench remarked.
The court ruled that Krishnankutty, who held custody of Raman through a disputed will, had committed contempt by willfully disregarding the undertaking. As a result, a fine of ₹2,000 was imposed on him.
Temporary Custody and Legal Safeguards
The Supreme Court clarified that its decision granting custody to the government is provisional. It stated that the state may temporarily manage Raman at its own cost, with the authority to issue administrative directives aligned with the Wildlife Act, 1972.
Additionally, the court absolved state officials from contempt, acknowledging their efforts to conduct a medical assessment of the animal.
Dispute Over Ownership
A contempt petition was filed by Jayakrishna Menon, who argued that Raman belongs to the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt and was only temporarily entrusted to Krishnankutty for maintenance. Krishnankutty, however, contended that Raman was legally transferred via gift deeds and has been cared for continuously for over a decade.