Is it legal to keep a tortoise as a pet in India?

Yes and no! Since you asked for a detailed answer I'll try to make is as simple for your understanding as possible. Why No? read more

The red footed tortoise is a native of South America and is a legal pet in India. But due to the endangerment of this species, it's again come under the radar of the wild life conservation authorities. read more

NO you ABSOLUTELY CANNOT keep a tortoise (or a turtle for that matter) in water 24/7!!!! A tortoise of any kind should not be kept in any amount of water at any time- except for if you are doing a regular supervised soak in warm water of an appropriate depth as is needed for some species such as sulcatas. read more