The government’s move to save actor Mohanlal from the case of illegally possessing ivory is very alarming. This move by the government to overstep the law for an individual will have far-reaching consequences.
This is a country where the crime of killing and eating a porcupine or a wild boar is punishable by up to five years in prison. No one dares to kill pigs that destroy crops for fear of legal entanglements. Possession of skins, teeth or horns of wild animals is punishable by imprisonment for up to 7 years under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Aimed at the conservation of exotic wildlife. It is this law that Kerala and the Center are trying to overcome by joining hands for a person named Mohan Lal.
On 22 July 2011, during the income tax raid at actor Mohanlal’s house, a huge collection of ivory was found in Adde Hath’s house. Two of these are original horns and the Forest Department officials who conducted further investigation have confirmed through the inspection that he does not have the legal permission to possess them.