JUDGMENT :

ANIL K. NARENDRAN, J.

1. The petitioner has filed this writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking an order to constitute a high level committee to enquire into the death of an elephant by name ‘Ambalapuzha Vijayakrishnan’ owned by the 1st respondent Travancore Devaswom Board, which died on 08.04.2021. The petitioner has also sought for a writ of mandamus commanding the 1st respondent Board to initiate strict action against respondents 7 to 11 for the unnatural death of the said elephant; and a writ of mandamus commanding the 1st respondent Board to appoint qualified Veterinary Surgeons.

2. On 29.06.2021, when this writ petition came up for admission, this Court admitted the matter on file. The learned Standing Counsel for Travancore Devaswom Board took notice for respondents 1 and 5. The learned Government Pleader took notice for respondents 2 to 4 and 6. Notice to respondents 7 to 11 was dispensed with. Thereafter, by the order dated 14.09.2021, this Court issued notice by speed post to respondents 7 to 11.

3. On 30.11.2021, the 3rd respondent Principle Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and the Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala has filed a count