The Supreme Court on Friday pulled up the Kerala government for failing to provide information regarding the welfare and status of Uttoly Raman, the state’s tallest captive elephant. A Bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu expressed dissatisfaction after the state failed to disclose details in its affidavit about the measures taken since the court ordered the government to assume custody of the tusker in June. The Bench directed authorities to submit the elephant’s latest medical examination report by October 12.
During the proceedings, state counsel cited the recent Assembly elections as a reason for the delay in taking physical custody of the animal from its former caretaker, Krishnankutty. Justice Datta sharply rejected this justification, questioning how the court could be kept in the dark about the welfare steps taken over several months. The court specifically ordered that the former caretaker, who has been accused of commercially exploiting the elephant, must be prohibited from having any contact with the animal.
The current legal dispute stems from conflicting ownership claims between the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt and the former caretaker, who bases his claim on gift deeds from 2017. The Mutt argues that the elephant was originally entrusted to the caretaker solely for its upkeep. In June, the Supreme Court found the caretaker guilty of contempt for violating an earlier undertaking that prohibited the use of the animal for commercial or religious activities. The court had ordered the state to take charge after it was discovered the elephant had been transported to a temple festival.
Reflecting on the need for judicial oversight in the matter, the Bench emphasized that it cannot remain a “mute spectator” regarding the welfare of animals. The court reiterated that the state must comply with its June 9 directive in both “letter and spirit” to ensure the elephant receives proper care moving forward.
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