Monkeys in forests live on tree tops, feed on natural berries, fruits and stalks etc. One wonders, what has brought monkeys down on streets and pavements? The answer is humans.

In a civil writ petition filed by the  Nyaya Bhoomi, the Delhi High court bench of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela in their order in the instant case have directed the municipal authorities the  Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and New Delhi Municipal Committee (NDMC)  to prepare and implement a programme to deal with the monkey menace plaguing the metropolis. 

The amendment made in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, has delisted a species of monkey  the ‘ Rhesus macaque’, common to Delhi from Schedule II of the act. Now they are to be treated the same as a stray cat or dog by the civic authorities.

The court observed that humans are the one enticing monkeys by giving them chapattis, bread and bananas making them dependent on humans which puts them in conflict with people. To correct the situation the court ordered the civic agencies to carry out a sustained year long public awareness campaign to inform people how their feeding is not benefitting the monkeys. 

“To correct this situation, the civic agencies should carry out a sustained year long public awareness campaign to inform people how their feeding is not benefitting the monkeys. That in fact feeding harms the animals in various ways by increasing their dependence on humans and reduces natural distance between wild animals and humans. We believe that people of Delhi have inherent wisdom and they will change their behaviour if they realise that feeding wild animals is inimical to animal’s welfare as well as human well being.” the court stated.

The court highlighted that waste management is a crucial part of the urban ecosystem. The court also  stated that open garbage in public areas attracts monkeys, leading to increased human-animal conflict. The court emphasized that for people in Delhi to live in a safer environment, they must avoid littering food.

“The other important aspect in urban ecosystem is waste management. Open garbage littering in public parks, food hubs, dhabba and canteens etc. attracts the monkey populations, hence increasing human-animal conflict. If citizens of Delhi want to live in safe environment, they will have to adopt and not litter food around. This aspect too needs to be highlighted in public awareness campaign which should be undertaken by civic agencies.” the court noted.

Accordingly, the Court directed the municipal authorities the  MCD and NDMC to prepare and implement a programme to deal with the monkey menace. The court also directed that the authorities shall ensure that monkeys are shifted from public parks, hospitals, government offices and residential areas and rehabilitated in Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, New Delhi. The MCD, NDMC and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital were  also directed to file an updated status report within three weeks.

The matter is further listed on 25th October, 2024.

Advocate for the Petitioner: Sumit Kumar.

Advocate for the Respondent:ASC Satyakam, SC Sriharsha Peechara, Akshat Kurukshetra, D.S. Bhanu, Ajjay Aroraa, Kapil Dutta, CGSC Rajesh Gogna, Nipun Jain, Priya Singh.

Case Details: Nyaya Bhoomi vs. Govt. Of NCT of Delhi and Ors. WP (C) 3346 of 2015 

judgement