New Delhi: As the welfare of voiceless animals is of paramount importance, the Supreme Court has directed the Kerala government to take care of elephant Raman, touted to be the tallest in the state at 10.53 feet tall, and house him in a suitable rehabilitation centre.
Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma noted that Raman was subjected to commercial exploitation and used in processions and ceremonial rituals.
“It is truly unfortunate that the elephant in question, i.e. Raman, who also happens to be the tallest elephant in Kerala, has been subjected to commercial exploitation despite an order restricting such exploitation, and that too on an undertaking given before this court.
“We will be failing in our duty to the voiceless if we turn a blind eye to this challenge,” the council said. “We cannot be silent spectators, especially in matters relating to voiceless animals, whose welfare is also of the utmost importance.”
The Supreme Court found Krishnankutty, who had custody of the elephant based on a disputed will, guilty of contempt for willfully violating an undertaking given to the Supreme Court and imposed a fine of Rs. $It is 2000
The Supreme Court clarified that its custody order for Raman was only temporary and would be subject to the final orders it issued.
“The State of Kerala may also take care of the elephant temporarily at its own expense and in such case, it may issue appropriate administrative orders in accordance with the legal safeguards provided under the Wildlife Act, 1972,” it added.
The Supreme Court also acquitted the state authorities of contempt, noting that they had made efforts to conduct a medical examination of the elephant.
The court was hearing a contempt petition filed by Jayakrishna Menon, who claimed that the elephant belonged to Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt and was only temporarily handed over to Krishnankutty for its maintenance and care.
On the other hand, Krishnankutty claimed that Raman was legally transferred to him under the gift deeds and that he had been taking care of and taking care of the elephant continuously for the past ten or twelve years.
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