Colombo High Court Judge Manilal Waidyatileke today stayed the recent order by Colombo Chief Magistrate Gihan Pilapitiya to release 15 elephants on bonds.

The order was given on May 20 to release the 15 elephants who were kept in possession by different individuals with no proper legal documents.

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 argued 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 stated.

The High Court issued a staying order preventing the release of the elephants till June 9. Meanwhile, the court also directed the registrar to provide the documents pertaining to the Magisterial Inquiry to the High Court before the next hearing date.