Pilikula Biological Park Will Be Transferred To Forest Department: Karnataka Govt Tells High Court In PIL Alleging Mismanagement

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday (July 21) was informed by the State Government that steps are being taken to transfer the management of the Pilikula Biological Park to the Karnataka Forest Department and that the precise details of the proposed transfer, including the extent of the area to be handed over, would be clarified.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice KS Hemalekha was hearing a public interest litigation filed by Bhuvan M, which highlights the alleged "dismal condition" of facilities for animals at the Pilikula Biological Park and seeks an independent inquiry into the alleged mismanagement and negligence at the facility.

After hearing the submissions, the Bench directed the State to obtain instructions on whether the proposed transfer would be limited to the zoo area housing the animals or extend to the entire Biological Park. The State was also asked to place on affidavit the mechanisms that would be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals.

The Court further directed the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to clarify whether the entire area constitutes a zoological park or whether the zoo can be segregated from the larger Biological Park.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 1.

Appearing for the State, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty submitted that the government had no objection to transferring the management of the zoo to the Forest Department. He further informed the Court that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be executed among the Forest Department, the Pilikula Development Authority and the Karnataka Zoo Authority setting out the modalities of the transfer.

"652 animals are there; we will transfer the whole thing to the Forest Department... We will clarify. The animals have to be taken care of," the Advocate General submitted.

Counsel appearing for the Central Zoo Authority also informed the Court that the Authority had no objection to the transfer of the zoo's management to the State Forest Department.

However, the Bench sought clarification on whether the transfer would be restricted to the zoo premises or would encompass the entire Biological Park. In response, the CZA submitted that only the zoo would be transferred and not the entire Biological Park.

Recording the submissions, the Court observed:

"...The Central Zoo Authority does not make any distinction as per the letters placed on record. The letter dated ... accords recognition to Pilikula Eco-Biological Park as a large-category zoo. CZA shall take instructions as to the aforesaid aspect..."

The Bench also noted the petitioner's contention that the entire area was originally conceived as a zoological park and questioned whether the zoo could, in fact, be separated from the rest of the Biological Park.

"According to you [petitioner], the entire area was a zoological park. Their case is that, so far as the zoo is concerned, it occupies only a small area, while recreational activities are carried out in the remaining area... CZA will decide what is required for the welfare of the animals. According to them, it is acceptable if the Forest Department takes over the management of the animals. But can this zoo be separated from the biological park?" the Court orally observed.

The Advocate General also stated that the government would file a detailed report and a development plan within one month of the transfer of the zoo's management.

The petitioner however submitted that important areas, including breeding facilities, lie beyond the zoo enclosure and therefore require a comprehensive Master Plan. It was further argued that the transfer of management would not absolve the authorities of responsibility for the alleged past mismanagement.

"Transfer will not absolve liability. Mismanagement of the zoo was an issue," the petitioner's counsel contended.

Case Title: Bhuvan M v. Union of India & Ors.

Case No: WP 9701/2025