Supreme Court says it cannot be a mute spectator, orders Kerala to take charge of tusker amid ownership row

Observing that courts cannot remain “mute spectators” when the well-being of voiceless animals is at stake, the Supreme Court has directed the Kerala government to take custody of Raman, an elephant, and shift it to a rescue and rehabilitation centre pending a final decision on its ownership.A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma said it was compelled to pass the direction after finding that the tusker had been subjected to commercial exploitation and used in ceremonial processions and rituals despite an earlier order expressly prohibiting such use.“In the given circumstances, where the issue pertaining to the custody of the elephant in question is yet to be decided finally; and with a view to prioritise the health and overall well-being of the elephant in question,…

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