New Delhi, June 10 -- The Supreme Court, while emphasising that the welfare of voiceless animals must be accorded utmost priority, has ordered the Kerala government to assume custody of Raman, said to be the tallest elephant in the state and ensure its relocation to a suitable rehabilitation facility.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma said it "cannot be a mute spectator" and noted that it's unfortunate that Raman was subjected to commercial exploitation despite an order restraining such exploitation.

"It is truly unfortunate that the elephant in question, i.e., Raman, who also happens to be the tallest elephant in the state of Kerala, has been subjected to commercial exploitation despite an order restraining s...