Kerala HC Orders Strict Monitoring of Wild Elephant KM1 Near Tribal Settlements

The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the state government to maintain strict surveillance on a wild elephant identified as “ KM1 ”, which has been roaming near Aralam Farm and adjoining tribal settlements in Kannur.

A division bench comprising Justices Devan Ramachandran and Easwaran S issued the direction while hearing a plea highlighting concerns over the elephant’s movement in populated areas and the threat posed to residents.

The petitioner, Baiju Paul Mathews P M , informed the court that KM1 had repeatedly entered regions close to human habitation and was known to have attacked people in the past . Counsel appearing for the Aralam farm also supported the submissions and urged authorities to take preventive measures to avoid further incidents.

Taking note of the concerns, the bench directed the state forest department to ensure that the elephant is “properly monitored” and asked officials to submit a response before the next hearing scheduled on May 20, 2026.

The court stressed the need for constant vigilance and warned authorities against any lapse in monitoring the animal’s movement.

“We make it clear that every effort should be taken to ensure that no further mishaps are caused on account of the movement of the elephant, and the competent authorities should be on watch and surveillance to ensure this,” the bench observed.

Though calling the remark “unnecessary”, the court further underlined the responsibility of the state to safeguard citizens, observing that “every life is precious” and that people must be protected through strict control and surveillance wherever necessary.