Politics · India Bureau
Court allows farm owner to keep exotic gibbons pending legal resolution
An Indian court has granted conditional custody of lar gibbons to an Erode farm owner, rejecting the Forest Department's request to relocate the animals to a zoo. Officials retain the right to conduct periodic inspections at the facility.
LSN India ·
A court in Tamil Nadu has permitted an Erode-based farm owner to retain custody of lar gibbons, animals that featured in a video involving actor Vikram, while rejecting a petition from the Forest Department to transfer them to a zoological facility.
The judicial order grants conditional interim custody to the farm owner, allowing the exotic primates to remain at their current location. The decision came after the Forest Department sought to shift the gibbons to a zoo, citing concerns over their welfare and proper care standards.
As part of the conditional arrangement, forest officials have been authorized to conduct periodic inspections of the animals at the premises where they are housed. These inspections will ensure the gibbons receive appropriate care and living conditions in accordance with wildlife protection regulations.
The case emerged from a video involving the prominent actor, which brought attention to the presence of the exotic animals on the private farm. The court's decision represents a middle-ground approach, allowing the current caretaker to maintain custody while establishing a monitoring mechanism through government oversight.
The order remains subject to the animals' welfare standards being maintained throughout the duration of the interim custody arrangement.