Destroy ivory stocks only after taking samples for DNA tests, Madras High Court directs T.N. forest department

The Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu forest department to destroy the ivory in its possession only after taking photographs; videographer; measuring the length, weight and circumference of the teeth; and after samples have been taken from each piece to perform DNA testing if necessary.

The special Division of Justice N. Sathish Kumar and D. Bharatha Chakravarthy, constituted to hear cases related to forests and wildlife, issued the order after Special Government Advocate (Forests) T. Seenivasan told the court that steps were being taken to dispose of the seized ivory in accordance with the law.

Citing written instructions received from Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Rakesh Kumar Dogra, the SGP told the court that reports dated September 2024 about the theft of a tonne of ivory from Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur were false.

He said only two teeth, weighing a total of one kilogram, were stolen and later recovered. However, after the court insisted on the destruction of the seized ivory in order to prevent such theft, the forest department initiated the process within the scope of the Wildlife Destruction of Wild Animals Clause Rules dated 2023.

SGP said that in order to ensure transparency in the inspection of ivory stocks and their destruction, the process will be conducted before a committee comprising representatives of local bodies concerned, a representative from the Revenue department (not below the rank of Tahsildar) and a wildlife expert.

He also stated that the court appointed it. Friends T. Mohan, Chevanan Mohan, Rahul Balaji and M. Santhanaraman would also be informed about the place, date and time of destruction so that they could be present and personally inspect the destruction process.

The presentations were made during the hearing of a petition filed by activist S. Muralidharan. The SGP said the forest department has also identified an incinerator at Gummidipoondi in Tiruvallur district, which is exempt from legal action and other obligations for disposal of seized ivory.

After recording their statements, the judges decided that the stocks would be destroyed only after photographs and video were taken, while also retaining samples for DNA testing in case they were required in the future in connection with criminal cases related to the seized ivory.

The court also decided that all details regarding the ivory stocks will be tabulated and submitted to it on January 23, 2026.