Karnataka High Court Allows Plea By Minister's Son Rana George Seeking Access To Private Property Within Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary

The Karnataka High Court on Monday allowed a petition filed by Rana George, son of State Energy Minister K.J. George, seeking unrestricted access to his private land located within the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary.

A single judge, Justice M Ngaprasanna said, “The writ petition is allowed, the order dated 01.03.2024, is quashed. Madamus issued to authorities to provide unhindered access to the petitioner to access his property in accordance with law. It is made clear that the petitioner while using the property shall not damage physically or otherwise any flora or fauna in the wildlife sanctuary.”

The petition had approached the court seeking directions to set aside the direction dated 01.03.2024 issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, thereby restricting his access to the forest road within the Nugu wildlife sanctuary. The authorities restricted his access to his property between 6 pm and 6 am daily, citing ecological concerns.

Further, direct respondent authorities grant the petitioner unrestricted access to his property through the forest road within the wildlife sanctuary.

The petitioner had said that he is the absolute owner of the properties in Shambugowdanahalli and Lakkasoge villages of Mysore District and access to his property was only through the forest road.

Further, Section 27 (1)(c) of Wildlife Protection Act provides an exemption for entry to the sanctuary for individuals who own immovable property within its limits. He had submitted that the property is used solely for personal enjoyment and not for commercial purposes.

Since, requests were made to authorities for permission to access his property under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act were turned down he had approached the court. It was claimed that the restriction infringed upon his fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(d) and Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Case Title: Rana George AND State of Karnataka

Case No: WP 30452/2024

Citation No: 2025 LiveLaw (Kar) 195

Appearance: Advocate Mrinal Kuttappa for Petitioner.