Mohanlal Declares Elephant Tusks and Ivory Artefacts Under Kerala Forest Department Amnesty Scheme

Malayalam actor Mohanlal has declared his possession of 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory artefacts to the Kerala Forest Department under its amnesty scheme, marking the latest development in a long-running case related to wildlife items found at his residence.

According to forest officials, the declaration was submitted under a scheme that allows individuals to voluntarily disclose unregistered wildlife articles, enabling authorities to verify their legality and take further action in accordance with the law.

The case dates back to 2011, when an Income Tax Department search at the actor's residence in Kochi reportedly led to the discovery of elephant tusks and ivory artefacts. The items were subsequently seized under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and legal proceedings were initiated.

The actor has declared elephant tusks and ivory idols under the Forest Department's amnesty scheme.

Mohanlal had maintained that the tusks were inherited or received as gifts and claimed they had been kept as family heirlooms. He had also stated that he was unaware of the legal requirements governing their possession.

In 2016, the actor received ownership certificates after declaring some of the tusks. However, in 2025, the Kerala High Court ruled that those certificates were not legally valid and directed the state government to issue a fresh notification regarding the matter. The court's decision followed petitions filed by wildlife conservationists and retired forest officials challenging the validity of the certificates.

As part of the latest declaration, Mohanlal informed the Forest Department that he possesses 10 elephant tusks—more than the number disclosed earlier—along with 13 ivory idols depicting Hindu deities, including Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and Tirupati Balaji.

Forest officials said the declared items will undergo verification, including DNA testing of the tusks where required, to establish their origin and authenticity. Authorities will determine the next course of action based on the findings and applicable legal provisions.

The declaration is considered a significant step in resolving a case that has remained under legal scrutiny for more than a decade.