Colombo High Court today referred back to the Colombo Chief Magistrate, the case regarding the release of releasing 15 elephants allegedly kept by various individuals illegally.

High Court Judge Manilal Waidyathilake directed the Chief Magistrate to consider the cases of the fifteen elephants separately and consider releasing them after considering the documents the claimed owners have.

This order was given when the revision application against the Chief Magistrate's order to release the 15 elephants on bonds was considered today at the High Court.

The Chief Magistrate order was given on May 20 to release the 15 elephants who were kept in possession by different individuals allegedly 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 had earlier observed that the Chief Magistrate should have considered the release of the 15 elephants individually.