Supreme Court of India. , Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
The Supreme Court has enhanced the jurisdiction and powers of a high-powered committee headed by its former judge, Justice Deepak Verma, to conduct necessary investigations and fact-finding related to import, transfer, purchase, rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals. Including those in captivity throughout India.
The scope of the committee was earlier limited to Tripura and Gujarat.
Now, the Chief Wildlife Wardens of the States will be co-opted as members of the committee. The panel will look into all pending and future complaints on the issue.
“The Committee may also consider any request for approval, dispute or complaint relating to transfer or import or purchase of wild animals in India by any rescue or rehabilitation center or zoo, taking assistance and cooperation from all departments, whenever necessary Authorities across India. We also direct that all complaints in this regard may be referred to the High Powered Committee for immediate consideration and recommendation of appropriate action.
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The court directed that the State and Central authorities “shall immediately report any seizure of wild animals or release of captive wild animals to the Committee and the Committee shall transfer the ownership of captive animals or seized wild animals to any willing rescue centre.” Feel free to recommend. or zoos for their immediate welfare, care and rehabilitation”.
Other nominated members of the committee include Director General of Forests (Union of India), Head of Project Elephant Division (MoEF) and Member Secretary (Central Zoo Authority of India).