Kerala High Court Cancels Ivory Ownership Certificates Issued to Actor Mohanlal

The Kerala High Court has cancelled the ownership certificates granted to Malayalam actor Mohanlal for possessing ivory, declaring them illegal and unenforceable under law.

A Division Bench of Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian struck down two government orders and certificates issued on January 16, 2016, and April 6, 2016, by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Wildlife in favour of the actor.

However, the Court clarified that the State Government may issue a fresh certificate to the actor, but only in accordance with Section 44 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and following the proper statutory process.

The bench was hearing public interest litigations (PILs) filed by James Mathew and Paulose, who challenged the State’s decision to regularise Mohanlal’s ivory possession. The petitioners alleged that the certificates were issued retrospectively to legitimise illegal possession and were a result of corruption and collusion.

The Court chose not to comment on how the certificates were issued, noting that such observations could affect the ongoing criminal proceedings against the actor.

Mohanlal was earlier booked under Section 50 of the Wildlife Protection Act after the Income Tax Department recovered two pairs of ivory from his Kochi residence during a 2012 raid. He did not possess valid certificates at that time.

The actor later applied for regularisation in 2016 and 2019, claiming the ivory was bought legally. Following this, the government issued ownership certificates in his name.

In 2023, a Judicial Magistrate dismissed the State’s plea to withdraw the prosecution, but the Kerala High Court later set aside that order and sent the matter back for reconsideration.

Case Title:
James Mathew v State of Kerala (WP(C) 27187/2019) and Paulose v Mohanlal (WP(C) 11074/2019)