People who own a wildlife trophy can get it declared and get a certificate of ownership from the forest department within 45 days.
The state government on Wednesday issued a notification amending relevant provisions of the Kerala Wildlife (Protection) Rules, 1978 to facilitate declaration of wildlife population. The notice was issued following an order by the Kerala High Court, which declared the ownership certificates issued for two pairs of ivories and 13 ivory idols found in the possession of actor Mohanlal null and void ab initio.
A Division Bench comprising Justices AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Jobin Sebastian, while quashing the government order issued in connection with the actor’s title deeds, observed that the state government could issue a fresh notice to persons or groups of persons to declare shares and gain immunity from legal action.
Incidentally, the department has registered a wildlife crime case against Mr. Mohanlal for possessing two pairs of tusks. However, no proceedings were taken against the actor for possessing the ivory idols, which were discovered along with two sets of ivories during an income tax raid at his residence, even though the Supreme Court canceled his certificate of ownership as well.
The amnesty scheme would apply to wildlife trophies that are either legally inherited or owned. Before accepting declarations and issuing certificates, the Chief Wildlife Warden or his authorized officer will carry out an investigation into the legality of the possession of the trophy.
The system would benefit those who actually own trophies but have not reported having control, custody or possession of any animal item or trophy with them, officials said.
The earlier cut-off date for declaration expired in Kerala on 30 September 1991.
Published – March 4, 2026 10:59 PM IST
