New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday reprimanded the Kerala government for failing to implement its directive to take state custody of Raman, reported to be the tallest captive elephant in Kerala. The bench also demanded an updated medical report on the pachyderm's health.

Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu was told by counsel that the elephant remained with his private caretaker because the animal had entered musth—a natural biological phase characterised by extremely high testosterone levels—making relocation unsafe.

Defending his physical custody, the caretaker assured the apex court that the animal was being maintained with utmost affection and attention.

Dismissing the submission, Justice Datta observed:

"Love, care and for the purpose of earning money by defying the Supreme Court's restraint orders. We quite understand what love and affection are. We are not going to hear you."

The court questioned state officials regarding the gap in health monitoring, asking:

"Are you monitoring the condition of the elephant or not? The last medical report means you have not checked him after 24th June?"

Ordering the state to evaluate the animal's present condition without delay, the bench instructed:

"In the next date of hearing, the state shall faithfully and honestly comply with the court's order dated June 9, 2026, in so far as the upkeep of the elephant is concerned."

Background of the dispute

The legal battle stems from a contempt petition moved by Jayakrishna Menon. According to the petitioner, Raman originally belonged to the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt and was placed with a man named Krishnankutty solely for temporary care. Conversely, Krishnankutty contended that the elephant was lawfully assigned to him via gift deeds and that he had managed and cared for Raman for over a decade.

Addressing the dispute on June 9, the Supreme Court held Krishnankutty in contempt for violating a prior court undertaking against commercial usage, penalising him with a ₹2,000 fine. Directing Kerala authorities to assume temporary custody and move the elephant to an approved rehabilitation facility, the court noted:

"It is truly unfortunate that the elephant in question, i.e., Raman, who also happens to be the tallest elephant in the state of Kerala, has been subjected to commercial exploitation despite an order restraining such exploitation, that too on the strength of an undertaking made before this court."

Emphasising animal welfare obligations under environmental and wildlife protections, the bench added:

"We would be failing in our duty towards the voiceless, if we turn a blind eye towards such defiance. We cannot be a mute spectator, more so in matters pertaining to voiceless animals, whose well-being is also of paramount importance."

The apex court clarified that state custody remains a interim measure pending final adjudication:

"The state of Kerala may also proceed to temporarily care for the elephant at its own expense, in which case, it may pass appropriate administrative orders in accordance with the statutory safeguards enshrined under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972."

While state officials were discharged from contempt proceedings following their initial attempt to inspect the animal, the Supreme Court has made clear that full compliance with its custody directives must be demonstrated at the upcoming hearing. (PTI)