Veteran actor Mohanlal has declared additional elephant tusks and ivory artefacts to the Kerala Forest Department under the state’s wildlife amnesty programme, according to officials familiar with the development.
The declaration comes as the acclaimed Malayalam actor continues to face legal proceedings in a long-running case related to the alleged possession of wildlife articles.
Fresh Declaration Submitted
Officials associated with the Malayattoor Divisional Forest Office confirmed that Mohanlal recently submitted details of wildlife articles currently in his possession under the ongoing amnesty initiative.
According to the declaration, the actor has disclosed possession of a total of 10 elephant tusks. Officials said he had previously declared four tusks and has now reported six additional tusks under the scheme.
The declaration also includes 13 ivory idols depicting Hindu deities, including Lord Krishna, Lord Ram and Tirupati Balaji. Forest authorities estimate the combined weight of the ivory artefacts at approximately 46 kilograms.
Verification Process to Follow
Forest officials stated that the declared articles will be subjected to further examination, including scientific verification procedures where required.
Authorities indicated that DNA testing may be conducted to establish the authenticity and origin of the elephant tusks and related wildlife articles. The verification process is expected to form part of the department’s review under the amnesty framework.
Mohanlal has previously stated that several of the tusks in his possession were inherited through family sources or received as gifts.
Understanding the Amnesty Scheme
Kerala’s wildlife amnesty programme allows individuals possessing unregistered wildlife articles to voluntarily declare them before the authorities.
The objective of the scheme is to create an official record of wildlife articles and provide an opportunity for owners to regularise possession in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
Forest officials have encouraged eligible individuals to come forward and disclose such items during the amnesty period.
Background of the Case
The legal case involving Mohanlal traces its origins to 2011, when Income Tax Department searches reportedly led to the recovery of elephant tusks and other ivory-related articles from premises associated with the actor.
Following the discovery, the Forest Department initiated proceedings alleging possession of elephant tusks without the necessary permissions required under wildlife protection laws.
The case has remained under judicial scrutiny for more than a decade and has seen several legal developments.
Court Proceedings Continue
The Kerala government had earlier moved to withdraw the prosecution against the actor. However, the trial court declined to permit the withdrawal.
Subsequently, the Kerala High Court upheld the trial court’s decision, allowing the criminal proceedings to continue.
In another significant development last year, the High Court set aside ownership certificates issued for ivory articles linked to the actor. The court also cancelled a state government order that had regularised ownership of the tusks.
The latest declaration under the amnesty programme does not by itself determine the outcome of the pending criminal case, which remains before the courts.
What Happens Next?
Officials said the newly declared tusks and ivory artefacts will undergo scrutiny under established procedures. The findings of the verification process could help authorities determine the legal status of the declared articles.
As the review continues, both the administrative process under the amnesty scheme and the judicial proceedings connected to the earlier case are expected to remain closely watched.
For now, the declaration marks a significant development in a matter that has attracted public attention for years due to the actor’s prominence in Indian cinema and the legal questions surrounding wildlife article ownership.
