SC dismisses Kerala HC plea against order asking it to translocate rogue tusker to Parambikulam reserve

The Supreme Court on April 17, 2023, refused to interfere in a plea by Kerala against a State High Court order to capture, radio-collar and translocate a rogue elephant, Arikompan, which has wreaked havoc in Idukki district, to Muthuvarachal within Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

The Supreme Court on April 17, 2023, refused to interfere in a plea by Kerala against a State High Court order to capture, radio-collar and translocate a rogue elephant, Arikompan, which has wreaked havoc in Idukki district, to Muthuvarachal within Parambikulam Tiger Reserve.

In a hearing allowed after the State made an urgent mention, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said the High Court was based on an expert committee report comprising officers of the State.

“The State is challenging the recommendations of its own officers… The High Court order is well thought out… We will not interfere,” Chief Justice Chandrachud said.

The State said the High Court was compelling it to translocate the wild tusker to the tiger reserve. The State needed time to capture the elephant and monitor the situation and see what could be done.

“But to relocate the elephant, you will first have to capture it. So, what is the problem?” Chief Justice Chandrachud asked.

The State said Kerala was a “small place” and there were human settlements even near the reserve. The elephant was addicted to rice and would continue to create havoc in the relocated area too.

Advocate V.K. Biju, intervening on a caveat, said the human lives were in danger from the tusker.