The Kerala High Court has sought the responses of the central and state governments regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Walking Eye Foundation for Animal Advocacy. The PIL challenges a government order that allows individuals to declare possession of elephants and related articles, arguing that this could lead to the issuance of ownership certificates in violation of a 2016 Supreme Court ruling. The NGO contends that the order, issued in March 2026, provides a 45-day window for declarations concerning animals listed under Schedule I, which includes captive elephants. According to the Forest Department, Kerala has 388 captive elephants, with 349 in private possession, many of which lack valid ownership certificates under the Wild Life Act, 1972. The NGO argues that the order effectively enables illegal possession and ownership claims, calling it a misuse of legislative power. The court has listed the matter for further hearing on June 1.