Attorney General Challenges Magistrate's Order To Release 15 Elephants

The Attorney General filed a revision application today with the Colombo High Court, challenging the recent order by Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya to release 15 elephants on bonds.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya on May 20 allowed for the release of 15 elephants kept by various individuals allegedly without proper licenses, on a bond of Rs. 10 million for each elephant. The bond was expected to be raised to Rs 30 million.

The order was given by the Magistrate despite objection by the Attorney General and civil organizations who appeared as interested parties.

In the revision application filed at the High Court, the AG argues that the Magistrate's order was given contrary to the code of criminal procedure. Furthermore, the elephants are released to individuals who could be prospective suspects in a future court case, the AG further states.