Mohanlal Seeks Fresh Clearance for Elephant Tusks Under Amnesty Scheme

Malayalam actor Mohanlal decided to submit the details of the elephant tusks in his possession to the Forest Department. Mohanlal cites the details of the one-time amnesty announced by the Forest Department following the observations of the Kerala High Court and the application he submitted to the Malayattoor DFO in March was forwarded to the Chief Director of Wildlife.

The notification comes under the Kerala Forest Department’s one-time amnesty scheme, which was implemented after the Kerala High Court’s observations prompted the government to amend the Kerala Wildlife (Protection) Rules and create a mechanism for voluntary declaration of privately owned animal items and trophies.

The Supreme Court had annulled the ownership certificates issued for two pairs of ivory and 13 ivory artifacts in Mohanlal’s possession.

The court did not declare ivory illegal; It held that the property documents were issued without following the prescribed procedure and directed the authorities to act accordingly.

The court observed that the state government may issue a fresh notification allowing individuals or groups to disclose wildlife products in their possession and be protected from legal action. The current process is being carried out based on this observation.