SC trashes petition to evacuate people from Chinnakanal

New Delhi: The Supreme Court rejected the demand that Arikomban, the rogue elephant relocated to a forest in Tamil Nadu, should be monitored for two years. The SC also refused to intervene in the demand to declare Chinnakanal in Idukki a national park. Nevertheless, chief justice DY Chandrachud clarified that petitioners may approach other forums to raise this demand.

Environmentalists CR Neelakanthan and PK Anandan approached the SC with the petition. However, the bench headed by chief justice Chandrachud pointed out that various petitions regarding Arikomban exist in the Kerala High Court.

Advocates Maitiri Hegde and Priyanka Prakash, who represented the petitioners pointed out to the SC that since Arikomban is currently in Tamil Nadu, Kerala High Court cannot intervene in the matter. 

Petitioners also demanded to evacuate settlers from Chinnakanal, differentiate animal and human habitation areas, and identify elephant pathways. The SC also rejected the demand that the petition be considered along with other petitions.