Animal Rights cases

In re: Ownership and custody of the captive elephant 'Uttoly Raman'

The Supreme Court is adjudicating the ownership dispute over the captive elephant Uttoly Raman, having ordered the Kerala Forest Department to take custody of the animal on 11 June 2026. Following a request for a medical report by the Court on 17 October 2026, the Kerala High Court declined on 20 October 2026 to extend the registration deadline for captive elephants, citing a lack of authority to override the deadline established by the Supreme Court.

In re: Bruno — Suo motu proceedings on animal cruelty

The Kerala High Court initiated suo motu public interest litigation following the brutal killing of a pet dog named Bruno in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The court named the proceedings 'In Re: Bruno' as a tribute to the animal and to address concerns regarding animal rights and cruelty.

Karnail Singh vs. State of Haryana — Animal Legal Status Case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court issued a landmark judgment declaring all animals in the state of Haryana to be 'legal persons' or entities, aimed at ensuring their welfare and protection.