"A Serious Matter To Worry": Karnataka HC Expresses Concern About Death Of Elephants Due To Electrocution
The Karnataka High Court sought response from the Union and the State Government regarding the recent events of death of several elephants in the State due to electrocution caused by negligence on the part of the authorities.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice K V Aravind called upon the authorities to apprise the Court about the following aspects, “(a) What steps and measures are presently taken for ensuring the safety and protection to the life of elephants and other wildlife assets in the State of Karnataka.;(b) What are the steps proposed to be taken in future, in light of the repeated deaths of the elephants occurring and reported, to prevent such instances of unnatural deaths.;(c) What is the statutory machinery activated by the authorities in this regard.;(d) What is the mechanism adopted and developed for the safety and safeguard of the elephants and other wildlife within the sanctuary area as well as outside the reserved area.;(e) In what way the authorities fix the liability of officers when such kind of deaths of elephants and wildlife occur.”
The Court invoked its suo moto power upon noticing a news daily report titled as “Fell in his prime: Jumbo death leaves all shocked” in ‘Bangalore Mirror’ on June 13, 2024. The news was related to an unnatural death of an elephant named Ashwathama who died in Mysuru out of electrocution. The newspaper report quoted the conservationists and mentioned that the death was because of sheer negligence on the part of the authorities.
The Court said there was one more death of the elephant which was reported from Chikkamagaluru District and two other deaths from Madikeri District. All were stated to be on account of electrocution.
The Court highlighted, “Whether inside the sanctuary or outside the sanctuary, the elephants and other wildlife would need care. Their safety is to be ensured at all costs by keeping the vigil and by taking appropriate measures. The forest and other authorities owe statutory duty in this regard. Their exposure to electrocution or to the other unnatural causes of death have to be prevented.”
The Court arraigned the Union of India, the State of Karnataka, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Divisional Forest Officer as the party-respondents.
“The successive and repeated incidents of the death of elephants in the State of Karnataka in different areas due to electrocution or for other unnatural causes is a serious matter to worry. The report reflects that the incidents take place for want of diligence on part of the authorities concerned incharge of ensuring safety measures for the elephants in particular, and the wildlife in general.”, the Court observed.
Accordingly, the Court directed the Registrar General to register suo moto public interest litigation and to issue notice to all above-mentioned parties.
The matter is now listed on July 2, 2024.
