Jayakrishna Menon vs Krishnankutty 2026 INSC 631 - Elephant - Commercial Exploitation - Contempt

Animal Welfare - We cannot be a mute spectator, more so in matters pertaining to voiceless animals, whose wellbeing is also of paramount importance.(Para 16) [Context: In this case, the Supreme Court held that respondent wilfully breached his categorical undertaking not to use the elephant Raman for temple or commercial activities, and consequently directed that the State of Kerala take over the elephant’s custody and temporarily house it in an appropriate rescue/rehabilitation centre, pending final decision in the underlying criminal appeals. The Court accepted that, though belatedly, the State authorities made bona fide efforts to conduct medical inspection and ultimately complied with the Court’s directions, and therefore declined to hold them in contempt. The Court directed the State of Kerala to take over the custody of the elephant in question i.e., Raman; and house it an appropriate rescue / rehabilitation centre]