Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has made headlines for reasons other than his film career after applying to surrender the ivory articles in his possession to the Kerala Forest Department. The move comes under the state’s one-time amnesty scheme and follows several years of legal proceedings surrounding the ownership of elephant tusks and other ivory artefacts recovered from the Odiyan actor’s Kochi residence. With the case back in the spotlight, many are wondering why the actor has chosen to surrender the items and what the latest legal developments mean. Here’s a closer look at the background of the case, its current status.
About the Ivory Case: Why Is Mohanlal Facing Legal Trouble?
has submitted the application to surrender the ivory articles. Malayattoor Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) P Karthik in March 2025, and it has since been forwarded to the Chief Wildlife Warden for further consideration. The issue dates back to August 2011, when the Income Tax Department recovered two pairs of elephant tusks and 13 ivory artefacts during a raid at Mohanlal’s residence in Thevara, Kochi. The matter was later transferred to the Forest Department for investigation.
Mohanlal’s Ivory Case Explained: The Legal Issue and Its Outcome
In 2016, the Kerala government issued an order granting Mohanlal ownership certificates for the tusks and other ivory items. However, the Kerala High Court later cancelled those certificates, ruling that they had not been issued in accordance with the prescribed legal procedure.
Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, possession of elephant tusks and other wildlife articles requires authorisation from the Chief Wildlife Warden. Section 40(4) of the Act, however, allows the government to grant exemptions in certain circumstances.
What Is the Current Status of Mohanlal’s Ivory Articles Case?
Following observations made by the Kerala High Court, Mohanlal decided to surrender the ivory under the Forest Department’s one-time amnesty scheme. After receiving his application, senior Forest Department officials visited the actor’s residence in Kochi to conduct an inquiry as part of the verification process. While cancelling the earlier ownership certificates, the High Court also clarified that the government is free to issue a fresh notification under Section 40(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Mohanlal will soon be seen in Athimanoharam
The court observed that the state could notify individuals or specific categories of people to declare wildlife articles in their possession and seek protection from legal proceedings under the amnesty framework.
The actor’s application is currently awaiting further action from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
Mohanlal’s Upcoming Films
On the professional front, Mohanlal has a packed slate of projects. He is currently filming Athimanoharam, directed by Thudarum filmmaker Tharun Moorthy, in which he plays a police officer after a long gap. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24.
Mohanlal was recently seen in Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam 3
He also recently announced Nedumkandam Miracle, directed by Dileesh Pothan and produced by Achu Baby John. In addition, Mohanlal has signed his 367th film, tentatively titled L367, which will be directed by Meppadiyan filmmaker Vishnu Mohan. He will also team up with director Priyadarshan.