Madras HC Directs CBI Probe into The Elephant Deaths

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate cases of elephant deaths and elephant poaching. The court raised concerns about the environment and elephant protection while giving its verdict. (S Manoj Immanuel v. Union of India and ors). 

The Court cited the Canadian astrophysicist Hubert Reeves in observing the prima facie evaluation of the manner in which elephants were killed, leading to its own adverse effect on forests, 

''Man is the most insane species. He worships an invisible God and destroys a visible Nature, unaware that this Nature he's destroying is this God he's worshipping.''

Earlier this month, after taking note of material suggesting that the elephant poaching activities were not limited to Tamil Nadu alone, the Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and N Sathish Kumar issued the order, but involved many players across the country, with requests for elephant ivory coming from abroad as well. 

The elephant, a gentle giant, is rightly referred to as the "Guardian of the Forest," the Court said. However, the elephant population and the male-female ratio of elephants were affected quite adversely by persistent poaching, the Court noted. 

The Judges added, "For survival, many male Elephants do not develop tusks, a situation brought forth by the credence of man. It is reported in many places, including Sri Lanka that male Elephants called ''Magna'' are more prevalent recently". 

In this case, the Court directed the CBI to conduct a probe in response to which the Assistant General of India, L Victoria Gowri, submitted that such a directive would complied within the light of the severity of the offence and the involvement of individuals from various parts of the country.