Chhattisgarh High Court Takes Swift Action on Alarming Wildlife Poaching Cases

Court Orders Principal Chief Conservator to Submit Affidavit on Recent Poaching Incidents

In a significant move to address rising concerns over wildlife poaching, the Chhattisgarh High Court has issued directives to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Wildlife Warden to submit a personal affidavit detailing the actions taken in response to recent poaching incidents. The court's action comes in light of alarming news reports of poaching and illegal hunting activities in the state's forests.

The court heard the matter on December 16, 2025, with a bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru. The suo moto public interest litigation was initiated following media reports highlighting the discovery of a tiger carcass with missing teeth and nails in the Surajpur Forest Division, and a leopard killed in the Khairagarh Forest Division.

The court took cognizance of news articles, including those from The Times of India and Times Nation, which reported suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a tiger in the Revti Forest. The reports suggested the tiger, found with severe injuries, was likely poached, with evidence pointing towards organized illegal hunting activities. In another incident, a leopard was found dead in suspicious circumstances, with its claws, nails, and jaw teeth missing, raising further concerns of poaching.

In response to these reports, the Forest Department has been actively engaged in investigations, employing sniffer dogs and experts to gather necessary evidence. The department has conducted post-mortem examinations under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, regulations to ascertain the cause of death and collect evidence.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the court directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to file a comprehensive affidavit on the incidents and the measures taken. The court emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in addressing wildlife crimes and ensuring the protection of endangered species.

The case is scheduled for the next hearing on December 19, 2025, with instructions for the learned State counsel to communicate the court's order to the concerned authorities promptly.

This judicial intervention underscores the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding wildlife and addressing environmental concerns. The court's proactive measures aim to enhance the effectiveness of wildlife protection efforts and hold authorities accountable for lapses in enforcement.

Bottom Line:

Public Interest Litigation regarding poaching and illegal hunting of wildlife in Chhattisgarh - Directions issued to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Wildlife Warden to file personal affidavit concerning reported incidents of poaching and wildlife deaths.

Statutory provision(s): Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State of Chhattisgarh, (Chhattisgarh)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2822500