Supreme Court Holds Keralam Man Guilty Of Contempt In Elephant Raman Case

The Supreme Court has held a Keralam resident guilty of contempt of court for violating an undertaking that barred the use of captive elephant Raman in commercial or religious activities during the pendency of a custody dispute.

A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and SC Sharma found respondent Krishnankutty had wilfully disobeyed an assurance recorded by the apex court in August 2025 regarding the elephant’s custody and welfare.

The court imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 and directed him to deposit the amount with the registry within four weeks.

The dispute centres on competing claims over Raman’s ownership and custody.

Petitioner Jayakrishna Menon contended that the Mata Amritanandamayi Mutt owns the elephant and had only temporarily entrusted it to Krishnankutty for care and upkeep.

The contempt petition alleged violation of Supreme Court orders dated August 6 and August 21, 2025.

The court directed wildlife authorities to inspect Raman’s health and well-being and recorded Krishnankutty’s undertaking not to use the elephant for temple or commercial activities.

The petitioner later submitted photographs, posters, social media posts and promotional materials alleging Raman’s continued participation in temple festivals and public processions.

Although Krishnankutty disputed the evidence, he admitted that Raman had attended one temple event after another elephant failed to appear.

The Bench noted a report from Keralam authorities confirming that Raman was brought to Chavakkad on February 3, 2026, for a temple festival. It also referred to written submissions acknowledging the elephant’s participation in a temple-linked ritual after emerging from the musth period.

The court observed that Raman appeared in ceremonial processions despite the undertaking and voiced concern over the animal’s commercial exploitation in violation of its order.

Court Orders Temporary Custody

Pending final adjudication of the ownership dispute, the Supreme Court directed the Keralam government to take temporary custody of Raman and house him in a suitable rescue or rehabilitation centre in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The court subsequently disposed of the contempt petitions.

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