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Kerala HC rules actor Mohanlal’s ivory licences void and unenforceable

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The Kerala High Court has ruled that the State-issued certificates declaring renowned Malayalam actor Mohanlal as the owner of two pairs of elephant ivory tusks and 13 ivory artifacts are void and legally unenforceable. The verdict marks a setback for the superstar in the ongoing controversy surrounding his possession of ivory items. The Division Bench comprising Justice AK Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Jobin Sebastian struck down the Kerala government orders issued in February 2015 and February 2016, along with the ownership certificates granted to Mohanlal in January and April 2016. The court held that the State had failed to comply with mandatory statutory requirements under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, before issuing these certificates. However, the court refrained from delving into the specifics of how the government’s power to issue these certificates was exercised, noting that such findings could prejudice Mohanlal in ongoing criminal proceedings related to the case. The judgment highlighted that the government was at liberty to issue fresh notifications under Section 40(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. This provision allows the State to request any person to declare possession of wild animal articles before granting ownership certificates or legal immunity against prosecution for illegal possession. The ruling came on two public interest litigation petitions challenging the State notifications under Section 40(4), which allowed Mohanlal to declare his possession of ivory artifacts before the Chief Wildlife Warden. Following these declarations, the State had issued ownership certificates under Section 42 of the Act. Petitioners argued that the notifications were unlawful as they were never published in the official gazette-a mandatory statutory requirement-and pointed out that no proper inquiry had been conducted into the legality of the actor’s possession of the ivory items. Mohanlal has consistently maintained that the ivory tusks were procured legally and that the certificates were issued directionally by the Central government through the Kerala government. Additionally, the State had issued a no-objection certificate for case withdrawal. Nonetheless, the magistrate court had earlier rejected the State’s plea to withdraw the case in June 2022, a decision contested before the Kerala High Court. The High Court partially allowed the State’s plea in February 2023, asking the magistrate to reconsider the withdrawal application. While the High Court’s recent judgment invalidates the ownership certificates, it grants the State the liberty to issue fresh notifications in accordance with the law. The final verdict in the criminal case against Mohanlal remains pending. Also Read: Mohanlal starrer Vrusshabha locks worldwide release date; set to hit theatres in November.

Entertainment law media

Thamma’s music director Sachin Sanghvi accused of sexual harassment, released on bail: Report

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Maddock Films’ latest release Thamma has been making waves at the box office, but the film has recently found itself in the headlines for reasons far removed from its success. Sachin Sanghvi, the music director of the film and one half of the composer duo Sachin-Jigar, has been accused of sexual harassment by a 29-year-old woman.According to a report by India Today, the complainant alleged that Sanghvi sexually assaulted her after promising her a role in a music video and even marriage. Following the filing of an FIR, Sachin was taken into custody but was subsequently released on bail.In a statement to the media, Sanghvi’s lawyer, Aditya Mithe, called the allegations “absolutely baseless and unsubstantiated” and added that his client’s detention was “illegal.” He further stated, “There are absolutely no merits to the case. We intend to defend all allegations fully and unequivocally.”Sachin himself has not yet commented publicly on the matter, and his Instagram account, @soulfulsachin, has been deactivated. However, the official account of the duo, Sachin-Jigar, remains active.This is not the first time a Maddock Films project has been caught in a similar controversy. Last year, during the successful run of Stree 2, choreographer Jani Master (real name Shaik Jani Basha), who worked on the song Aaj Ki Raat, was accused of sexual assault by a former assistant choreographer. The victim, who was 21 at the time of filing, alleged that she had faced harassment and assault from Jani Master over six years, beginning when she was a minor.Following her complaint, Jani Master was arrested by Cyberabad police in Goa on September 19, 2024, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He later confessed to the assault and was granted regular bail by the Telangana High Court on October 24, 2024, with conditions to cooperate with the investigation and not contact the victim.Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna secretly watches Thamma in a theatre; shares emotional note about audience reactions

Entertainment media

Taapsee Pannu REACTS sharply to reports claiming she has shifted to Denmark: “WTF is this”

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Actress Taapsee Pannu has responded strongly to a recent media report that falsely claimed she has “moved abroad permanently” after her marriage to former badminton player Mathias Boe. The Dunki actress tied the knot with Boe in an intimate ceremony in Udaipur, Rajasthan, in March 2024.Taapsee has rarely spoken publicly about her relationship or marriage. However, during a recent interview, she discussed aspects of her life in Denmark, where her husband’s parents reside. Her comments were seemingly misinterpreted, leading to several portals publishing sensational headlines suggesting that the actress has “shifted abroad.”One such headline read, “India chhod videsh mein shift hui mashhoor actress Taapsee Pannu.” The actress reshared the post on her Instagram story, calling out the portal for spreading misinformation.Expressing her frustration, Taapsee wrote, “Can there be a less false and less sensational headline!!!??? Ya phir headline galat ho ya sahi, aap toh kahenge ‘Sabse tez’ portal. Maybe slow down and do a little bit of research…???”Adding a humorous touch to her response, she further wrote, “PS – WTF is this while munching my dosa in this humid hot Mumbai morning.”On the professional front, Taapsee was last seen in Khel Khel Mein, which released earlier this year. She will next be seen in Gandhari and Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan, both of which are currently in different stages of production.Also Read: Taapsee Pannu becomes Dove’s first-ever Indian brand ambassador for hair care

culture Entertainment media

Param Sundari OTT release date: Here’s where to watch Sidharth Malhotra-Janhvi Kapoor starrer!

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On September 24, 2025, Prime Video announced the exclusive global streaming premiere of Param Sundari. Produced by Dinesh Vijan under the banner of Maddock Films and directed by Tushar Jalota, the romantic comedy stars Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in a heartwarming story of love, laughter, and cultural contrasts. Param Sundari is now available to stream exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 200 countries and territories worldwide. Set against the scenic backwaters of Kerala, Param Sundari follows Param, a lively Punjabi boy from Delhi, and Sundari, an independent woman from Kerala, who find themselves caught in an unexpected romance. What begins as a playful cultural clash soon blossoms into a tender journey filled with humour, emotion, and magic. As Param and Sundari learn to bridge their worlds, their story unfolds as a celebration of love that transcends boundaries. With its rich characters, heartfelt narrative, vivid cultural backdrop, and soul-stirring music, the romantic comedy captures the beauty and chaos of love in all its hues.“At Prime Video, our focus has always been on bringing audiences stories that are high on entertainment, emotion, and heart,” said Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing, Prime Video India. “Param Sundari perfectly embodies these values-it’s fun, warm, and deeply engaging. We’re excited to bring this feel-good entertainer to Prime members across the world, continuing our endeavour to deliver the very best of Indian storytelling to global audiences.”“When we started working on Param Sundari, our aim was simple-to create a film that feels alive, heartfelt, and thoroughly entertaining,” said director Tushar Jalota. “It’s a story that celebrates love in its most joyful and unpredictable form, blending humor, emotion, and warmth in a way that feels real and uplifting. With its digital premiere on Prime Video, I’m excited for audiences everywhere to experience the charm and spirit that make Param Sundari so special.”“Param Sundari felt like revisiting a timeless romance, but with a fresh, modern heartbeat. It is the kind of film that takes you back to the feeling of love that is honest, a little messy but full of heart,” said Sidharth Malhotra. “Playing Param reminded me why I like romantic stories in the first place; they make you smile, believe, and, somewhere, they remind you of your own journey. Now that it’s streaming on Prime Video, everyone can experience that warmth and love from wherever they are.”“Working on Param Sundari has been such a beautiful journey,” said Janhvi Kapoor. “It’s a story that celebrates emotion, culture, and human connection in the most heartfelt manner. Shooting in Kerala, surrounded by its breathtaking beauty and warmth, made the entire experience truly special. I’m certain Param Sundari will connect with audiences everywhere.”Prime Video Announces the Exclusive Global Streaming Premiere of Dinesh Vijan and Maddock Films’ Love Story Param SundariDirected by Tushar Jalota, the film stars Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles. Also Read: Param Sundari finds its feet with audiences and quietly wins big.