Court Rejects Government’s Bid to Drop Ivory Possession Case; Orders Mohanlal’s Personal Appearance

Actor Mohanlal has been summoned to appear in court personally for the ivory possession case. The Perumbavoor Magistrate’s Court has directed Mohanlal and other defendants to be present on November 3, dismissing the state government’s plea to withdraw the case. The court ruled against the government’s withdrawal request, deeming it contrary to public interest.

Mohanlal is the primary accused in the case, alongside co-accused PN Krishnakumar of Thrissur, K. Krishnakumar of Thrippunithura, and Nalini Radhakrishnan. In 2012, Income Tax Department officials found four ivory tusks at Mohanlal’s Thevara residence. Subsequently, it was revealed that Mohanlal had the tusks under the authorization of two others. Mohanlal clarified that he acquired the ivory tusks from K. Krishnakumar for Rs 65,000.

Initially, the forest department registered a case, but it was later dropped. Following a change in legislation, the government allowed Mohanlal to possess the ivory tusks. Nonetheless, Ernakulam resident AA Paulus approached the High Court to challenge the Principal Chief Conservator’s decision to grant Mohanlal ownership of the tusks. Despite the government’s stance in favor of case closure, the court has now taken a position that is unfavorable to both parties.