Kochi: The High Court raised questions to the government in the ivory case against actor Mohanlal. The court’s questions came while considering the appeal filed against the Perumbavoor Magistrate Court’s rejection of the government’s plea seeking withdrawal of the case. The main question of the court was how the case can be withdrawn.
In 2012, the Forest Department registered a case under the Wildlife and Forest Protection Act, 1972, following the discovery of ivory from Mohanlal’s house in 2011. But ownership certificate is available only in 2016. Therefore, the court asked whether there is no need to investigate the possession of ivory without permission.
K. The investigation found that a person named Krishnakumar handed over the ivory to Mohanlal. Two tusks were given to be kept in Mohanlal’s art gallery. The investigation team also found that the ivory was bought from someone else. Therefore, when the case was registered, the court observed that whether the actor had the right of ownership of the ivory is a matter to be investigated.
English Summary: High court on Mohanlal Ivory case