Mohanlal Declares 10 Elephant Tusks, 13 Ivory Idols To Forest Department Amid Trial Over Illegal Wildlife Article Possession

Malayalam actor Mohanlal has officially declared possession of tusks and ivory to the Kerala Forest Department amid ongoing legal scrutiny related to their alleged illegal possession. Mohanlal reported to the department that he owns 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols. This declaration follows a 2025 Kerala High Court ruling that canceled the ownership certificates previously issued for the tusks. The case traces back to 2011, when a routine income tax raid uncovered more than just financial documents.

Mohanlal Declares 10 Elephant Tusks, 13 Ivory Idols Amid Trial Over Illegal Wildlife Article Possession

In 2011, income tax officials raided Mohanlal’s home in Kochi’s Thevara neighborhood, expecting to find financial records and cash. Instead, they allegedly discovered elephant tusks and ivory artefacts displayed as heirlooms. These were seized under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The law strictly prohibits possession of ivory without government certification, leading to a formal case being registered.

Down To Earth reported that Mohanlal claimed the tusks were from a captive elephant that died of natural causes, and he kept them as memorabilia, claiming he “did not know it was unlawful to keep them.” The case was set aside after the government permitted him to declare the tusks in 2015, and he was issued an ownership certificate in 2016.

About The Legal Battle

The legal battle reached its peak in 2025 when the Kerala High Court ruled that the certificates issued were invalid. This prompted the government to issue a new notification. The court’s decision was influenced by petitions from retired forest officials and conservationists. However, it did not order prosecution of Mohanlal. Recently, in 2026, Mohanlal declared to the Forest Department that he now possesses 10 tusks—six more than initially declared—and 13 ivory idols. It includes figures of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, and Tirupati Balaji, weighing around 46 kg. Officials plan to conduct DNA tests to verify their authenticity.

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