The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court took Suo Moto cognizance, highlighting concerns over wildlife conservation and tourism management in the Umrer-Paoni-Karandla Tiger Reserve. The incident involved trained tourist guides carrying tourists gypsy vehicles who blocked the path of the tigress named 'F2' and her five cubs.

The bench of Justice Nitin W. Sambre and Justice Vrushali V. Joshi expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing that such actions violate both ethical norms and legal mandates under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

The incident was reported in the Marathi daily newspaper on January 5, 2025, and was amplified by social media. The video showcased unruly behavior by drivers, guides, and tourists, resulting in undue stress for the tigress and her cubs.

Initially, the field director took lenient action against the guides and the drivers by suspending them for seven days. However, after following the media report and public backlash, the suspension was extended to three months, accompanied by a fine of ₹25,000.

“We have noticed that the very conduct of the Gypsy Drivers, Guides and the Tourists was completely unruly and in defiance of not only the rules of nature but also the same has resulted in creating a very disturbing situation for the F2-Tigress and her cubs.” The bench stated on the conduct of the Gypsy Drivers, Guides and tourists and stated.

The court also came down heavily by observing a blatant failure by the Forest Department’s intelligence team by stating, “There is a complete failure of intelligence on the part of the Forest Department as instead of their own staff reporting the matter, it appears that they have got the inputs from the video clip which was circulated on social media and the news article which was published in the newspaper ‘Loksatta’ and thereafter the order of punishment on the Gypsy Drivers and Guides was modified.”

Further, the court observed the necessity of strict adherance to the provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and stressed that forest officials need to be sensitive to these provisions of the law as well.

The court directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to file a detailed affidavit outlining the actions taken so far and the steps planned to protect the tigress and her cubs. In compliance with the direction, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wild Life) has filed an affidavit demonstrating the steps taken against the violators involved in the incident.

Further, it was submitted to the court that a committee is constituted, which will be headed by the Deputy Director of Bor Tiger Project, Wardha, to frame guidelines to be followed in the matter of conduct by the gypsy owners, drives, guides, and also the tourists. The said committee will submit its report by January 14, 2025.

The bench appreciated the immediate steps taken by the Forest Department. However, the bench noted that additional measures are required to be done at the end of the Forest Department.

The Government Pleader informed the bench that an additional affidavit will be submitted by January 18 depicting the progress in the matter.

The matter is listed for further hearing on January 20, 2025.

Case Title: The Court on its Motion v. The State of Maharashtra and others., Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation No.1/2025

Order Dated 10.01.2025

Advocate for Respondent(s): Senior Advocate Mr D.V. Chavan & ors