New Delhi, Observing that the well-being of voiceless animals is of paramount importance, the Supreme Court has directed the Kerala government to take over custody of the elephant Raman, described as the tallest in the state at 10.53 ft, and house it in an appropriate rehabilitation centre.
A bench of justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma noted that Raman has been subjected to commercial exploitation and used in ceremonial processions and rituals.
The top court found Krishnankutty, who had retained custody of the elephant based on a contested will, guilty of contempt for wilfully violating an undertaking given to the apex court and imposed a fine of ₹2,000 on him.
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.
The state of Kerala may also proceed to temporarily care for the elephant at its own expense, in which case, it may pass appropriate administrative orders in accordance with the statutory safeguards enshrined under the Wildlife Act, 1972.
