06 July,2026 05:24 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mohanlal (picture via X)
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has officially declared a collection of elephant tusks and ivory artefacts to the Kerala Forest Department under the state's amnesty scheme, bringing renewed attention to a legal matter that has been under scrutiny for over a decade.
According to reports, the actor declared 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols as part of the one-time amnesty announced by the Kerala government. The move is linked to a long-pending case dating back to 2011, when officials recovered ivory items from Mohanlal's residence during an inspection.
The case began after the Forest Department conducted a search at the actor's home and seized several ivory articles. Authorities alleged that the items were being possessed without the mandatory ownership certificates required under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Mohanlal, however, maintained that the ivory pieces had been legally acquired years earlier and denied any wrongdoing.
Over the years, the matter witnessed multiple legal developments. While investigations continued, Mohanlal consistently argued that the artefacts were part of his personal collection and had been obtained through lawful means. The case remained pending as questions over documentation and ownership were examined by authorities.
The recent declaration comes after the Kerala government introduced an amnesty scheme allowing individuals possessing inherited or previously acquired ivory items to voluntarily declare them to the Forest Department. The initiative aims to document privately held ivory artefacts and bring them under official records without immediately initiating prosecution, provided owners comply with the scheme's conditions.
As part of the process, Mohanlal submitted details of 10 elephant tusks and 13 carved ivory idols to the department. The declaration enables authorities to verify the items and determine their legal status in accordance with wildlife regulations.
Officials have clarified that declaring the artefacts under the amnesty scheme does not automatically close the 2011 case. Instead, the declaration forms part of the documentation process, while any pending legal proceedings will continue to follow the due process of law.
The development has once again sparked discussions about the possession of ivory collectibles in India and the strict regulations governing wildlife products. Under Indian law, the trade and possession of ivory are heavily regulated to curb illegal wildlife trafficking and protect endangered elephant populations.
Mohanlal has not issued a fresh public statement regarding the declaration. However, his legal team has previously maintained that the actor has always cooperated with investigating agencies and has complied with legal requirements whenever directed by the authorities.
With the latest declaration now on record, the focus shifts to the Forest Department's verification process and the ongoing legal proceedings. While the amnesty scheme offers a mechanism for documenting privately held ivory items, it does not by itself resolve disputes arising from earlier investigations, meaning the decade-old case involving the actor will continue through the legal system.
