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Arikomban is a rogue Indian elephant in Kerala who is named for his raids on local shops for rice and causing massive damage in the Chinnakanal area of Munnar.
The Supreme Court on Thursday came down heavily on an animal rights body called Walking Eye Foundation for Animal Advocacy for filing a plea to know the whereabouts of tusker 'Arikomban'.
While dismissing a plea that sought a detailed report on the health and movement of the elephant, CJI DY Chandrachud opined, "We are tired of hearing these PILs, the High Court can deal with such issues...".
The bench added that High Court was better aware of the ground realities. "Every week we are getting a petition that place this elephant somewhere else. That is not the remit of the Supreme Court," the bench said.
When Advocate Deepak Prakash, appearing for the petitioner, reminded the apex court about powers under Article 32 of the Constitution, a visibly miffed CJI said, "I don't allow lawyers to take my court for a ride. Do not misunderstand the gentle demeanor. There can be a tough exterior behind it."
In court the CJI had orally ordered that costs of Rs 25,000 be imposed on the petitioner, but the same does not reflect in the order uploaded on the Supreme Court's website.
Walking Eye had sought directions to the Kerala Government to direct the committee already in force formulated by the High Court vide order dated March 29, 2023, to provide an urgent report on affidavit before the Top Court, regarding the health, condition, movement, and position of Arikomban and provide measures for safeguarding his Right to Life and Liberty as enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
The plea also sought directions not to adopt methods such as chemical tranquilisation, taming, or any other weapon-based method against Arikomban since "he has been a victim of a heavy dosage of chemical tranquilisation and any such further measure shall prove to be fatal for his life and well-being".
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