Kerala HC Declares Ownership Certificates Issued to Ivories Held by Actor Mohanlal Void

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has cancelled the order that granted actor Mohanlal ownership rights over ivory articles found in his residence, while permitting the state government to issue a fresh notification as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The case traces back to 2011, when the Income Tax Department conducted a raid at the actor’s home in Thevara, Kochi, and seized ivory tusks. Following the discovery, the trial court had directed Mohanlal to personally appear before it.
Later, the trial court quashed the state government’s move to withdraw the case, leading to renewed legal proceedings. Mohanlal subsequently approached the High Court and secured a stay order against the directive.
In his affidavit before the High Court, Mohanlal maintained that the ivory case was fabricated with an intention to tarnish his reputation, alleging that certain individuals and organisations were filing false public interest cases against him.
The High Court, while ruling that the ownership certificates issued by the Forest Department were void and legally unenforceable, clarified that the state government is free to issue a new notification under Section 40(4) of the Act if it wishes to permit the actor to retain the ivory items in accordance with the law.