Illegal possession of ivory is a criminal offense under the Forest and Wildlife Act.
Kochi: The Perumbavoor Magistrate’s Court has revoked the permission given by the state government to actor Mohanlal to possess ivory illegally. The court said Mohanlal should face trial.
The permit was revoked on the grounds that illegal possession of ivory was an offense under the Forest and Wildlife Act. The order came after hearing detailed arguments on petitions filed by AA Paul, a native of Elur, and James Mathew, a former forest officer from Ranni, against allowing Mohanlal to possess ivory.
The Magistrate’s Court had earlier dismissed the petition of the complainants stating that the arguments of the third party should not be heard. However, the High Court had said that there was a public interest in the complaint and that the plaintiffs should be heard on the government’s decision to allow the case to be withdrawn. A detailed argument followed.
The Home Department had filed an application in the Magistrate’s Court through the Collector, showing that it had given permission to withdraw the case against Mohanlal.
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The ivory and idols made from ivory seized from Mohanlal’s residence in Thevara have been handed over to Mohanlal to keep him in custody. The plaintiffs contended that the action taken to keep the accused himself from being strangled was unheard of.
According to Mohanlal’s application, the ivory was received as a gift.
Mohanlal is the first accused in the case registered at Perumbavoor Mekapala Forest Station. Illegal possession of ivory is an offense punishable by a minimum of five years under the Forest and Wildlife Act.