“Very Serious”: Chhattisgarh High Court Takes Suo-Motu Cognizance of Alleged Tiger Poaching After Dismembered Carcass Found
The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo-motu cognisance of multiple news-reports concerning the discovery of a tiger's carcass in the Revti Forest Range, Ghui, which was found dismembered, indicating alleged poaching activity.
The news report revealed that the dead tiger's body was found swollen by the Forest Officials and bore severe injuries— with deep bite marks and missing teeth and nails. Further, it was stated that a sharp weapon was also found nearby which was suspected to have been used to remove the nails and teeth of the tiger. Suspecting that the tiger was hunted, the officials called sniffer dogs and expert veterinarians in order to collect necessary evidence.
The Court also took note of another report in which an adult tiger was reported to have been brutally killed in the forest village of Banbod, in which the poachers took away its claws, nails, and jaw teeth, thereby, pointing directly towards organised illegal hunting. As the discovery of the tiger's carcass created panic in the surrounding area, the officials included dog squads in the investigation and were monitoring suspicious activities in surrounding villages.
It is pertinent to mention that the Court had earlier taken suo-motu cognisance of another instance of poaching, and as recently as 10.12.2025– the State had informed the Court that no new instances of poaching were brought to the notice of the State.
However, taking into consideration the seriousness of the recent events suggesting poaching and illegal hunting, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru observed:
“These incidents are very serious in nature and very recently, the learned State counsel had informed this Court that no new instance of poaching has come to light.”
Accordingly, the Court directed Principal Chief Conservator of Forest-cum-Wild Life Warden to file his personal affidavit with respect to the above news item.
The matter is now listed on December 19 for further hearing.
Case Details:
Case Number: WPPIL No. 92 of 2024
Case Title: In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation v. State Of Chhattisgarh & Others