Bombay High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Tourists Obstructing Tigress and Cubs at Wildlife Sanctuary
Kiran Raj
The Bombay High Court, Nagpur Bench, initiated a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in response to an incident at the Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary. The case concerns allegations that tourist vehicles obstructed the movement of a tigress, F2, and her five cubs during a safari. After taking cognizance of the incident, which occurred on December 31, 2024, the Court directed the Forest Department to submit detailed reports and implement corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
The Court initiated the PIL on January 6, 2025, based on a video and news reports highlighting the obstruction of wildlife by tourist vehicles authorized by the Forest Department. The vehicles, operated by licensed Gypsy drivers and accompanied by trained guides, allegedly blocked the tigress and her cubs’ path, causing distress and raising concerns about the enforcement of wildlife protection norms.
The Field Director of the sanctuary imposed initial penalties, including suspending the drivers and guides involved for seven days. Subsequently, the suspension was extended to three months, and a fine of ₹25,000 was levied on each violator. Despite these actions, the Court noted the need for stricter measures and guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Bench, comprising Justice Nitin W. Sambre and Justice Vrushali V. Joshi, examined an affidavit filed by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wild Life) detailing the steps taken in response to the incident. The affidavit outlined actions against the violators and informed the Court about the establishment of a committee led by the Deputy Director of Bor Tiger Project, Wardha, to draft guidelines for Gypsy drivers, guides, and tourists. The committee is expected to submit its report by January 14, 2025.
The Court commended the swift actions of the Forest Department, stating: “We appreciate the immediate steps taken not only by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wild Life) but also by the Field Director in the matter of causing an enquiry and punishing the violators.”
However, the Bench noted that additional efforts were necessary to ensure the long-term protection of wildlife in the sanctuary. The Court observed: “There is something more required to be done at the end of the Forest Department.”
Referring to the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the Court referred to relevant provisions, including Section 27, which restricts entry into sanctuaries without proper authorization, and Section 27(4), which prohibits teasing or molesting wildlife. The Bench recorded the need for strict compliance with these provisions to safeguard the sanctuary’s ecosystem.
The Court directed the Forest Department to:
- Ensure that the committee tasked with framing guidelines submits its report by January 14, 2025.
- File an additional affidavit by January 18, 2025, detailing progress in the matter.
- Provide all documents related to the case to the Amicus Curiae, Advocate Sudheer Voditel.
The Court scheduled the next hearing for January 20, 2025, to review compliance with its directives and the measures proposed by the Forest Department.
Case Title: Court on its Own Motion v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.
Case Number: Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation No. 01/2025
Bench: Justice Nitin W. Sambre, Justice Vrushali V. Joshi
[Read/Download order]
