New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud expressed his dissatisfaction with the continuous filing of petitions on the rogue elephant Arikomban. He emphasised that high courts are better suited to address concerns regarding Arikomban.

While considering a petition filed by the Walking Eye Foundation for Animal Advocacy, the CJI questioned why the petitioners had not approached the Kerala High Court, which is already examining the matter. He further pointed out that another petition on the Arikomban issue was moved yesterday. He fined the petitioner Rs 25,000.

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Advocate Deepak Prakash, representing the organisation, said there was 'ambiguity' surrounding Arikomban's current status, including uncertainties about whether it is alive. Therefore, Prakash requested the court to direct the Tamil Nadu government to clarify the matter. Given that the elephant is constantly on the move, its current whereabouts remain unknown, making it unclear whether the petition should be filed in the Madras High Court or the Kerala High Court, he argued.

However, Chief Justice Chandrachud responded that it is not the Supreme Court's responsibility to determine the court where the petition has to be filed. Subsequently, the organisation withdrew its petition. The fine was prompted by the lawyer's criticism of the Supreme Court's approach to petitions filed under Article 32 of the Constitution. Although the lawyer requested the withdrawal of the fine, the bench declined to do so in open court. Clarity on this matter will be provided when the official order is issued.