The Chhattisgarh High Court has initiated a Suo-moto case following a newspaper report about the death of a tiger, which is suspected to have been killed by poaching. The article highlighted the discovery of the tiger’s body in the unreserved Guru Ghasidas National Park, sparking concerns over potential poaching activities.

The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad, instructed the Additional Chief Secretary of the State Government's Forest and Climate Change Department to file an affidavit within ten days. The affidavit should outline the steps and actions taken to protect wildlife in the state.

Upon reviewing the news article, the Court concluded that the tiger's death appeared to be a case of revenge killing, as a half-eaten buffalo was found near the tiger's carcass.

“From perusal of the said news item, it transpires that the carcass was found at the same location where the previous tiger poaching took place in June, 2022 and though the case of death of the tiger was suspected as poisoning, but as a half eaten buffalo lay nearby, it was believed to be a revenge killing.”, the court said.

The previous incident at the same location indicates a recurring pattern, underscoring the need for urgent preventive action. Consequently, while directing the Additional Chief Secretary to submit an affidavit, the court emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency from the Forest Department regarding its anti-poaching efforts and wildlife protection measures.

Case Title: IN THE MATTER OF SUO MOTO PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION versus STATE OF CHHATTISGARH, WPPIL No. 92 of 2024