Rajasthan High Court Cracks Down On Unregulated Jawai Tourism; Bans Night Safaris, Use Of Drones To Protect Leopard Habitat

While hearing a PIL claiming unregulated tourism in Jawai region of Pali that was causing ecological stress and disturbance to wildlife particularly Indian leopards, Rajasthan High Court in an interim order prohibited safari activities beyond 6 am to 7 pm. In doing so the court banned night safari in the Jawai region as well as restrained use of drones which can disturb the animalsAt the outset while referring to Article 48A of the Constitution pertaining to State's "endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country", a division bench of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sandeep Shah observed that despite its ecological uniqueness and increasing global recognition, Jawai remained outside the protective framework of wildlife sanctuary or national park.Referring to the ecology to the Jawai region the court underscored that it stands as a "remarkable testament to nature's resilience and human coexistence" wherein its rugged granite hills, ancient formations shaped millions of years ago, rise dramatically around the Jawai Bandh, the largest water reservoir in western Rajasthan, nurturing a diverse and thriving ecosystem. The court noted that these hills, marked by naturally formed caves, have for generations served as an ideal habitat for one of India's most "elusive predators", the Indian leopard. The court thus issued the following directions:(i) Respondents are directed to ensure that "no safari activities, including night safari or any activity for spotting or locating wildlife, shall be permitted beyond the period between 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.".The court underscored that such time restriction was adopted in line with the timings followed in Ranthambore National Park, which must be based on expert assessment and scientific considerations.(ii) Further any person found disturbing the animals by use of torch lights, search lights, spotlights, drones, or any other similar means or devices shall forthwith be restrained from doing so by the Respondents by taking adequate preventive and enforcement measures.(iii) Any instance of misconduct by safari vehicles, local hospitality personnel, or any other persons, involving disturbance, harassment, or interference with wildlife, shall be promptly reported, and the persons responsible shall be dealt with expeditiously in accordance with law, by taking appropriate penal and regulatory action. Underscoring the “functional ecological equilibrium” in the Jawai region between human settlements and the wildlife habitat, the court observed that increasing unregulated development, expanding tourism infrastructure, and habitat disturbance had begun to encroach upon the shared ecological space in the region, placing both the leopard population and the traditional lifestyle of local communities at risk.“The semi-nomadic Rabari community, residing amidst these very hills, has over centuries cultivated a relationship of deep tolerance and reverence towards the leopard, often perceiving the animal through a spiritual and cultural lens This mutual respect is reflected in everyday practices, restraint in festivities, avoidance of disruptive noise, and a conscious effort to preserve the sanctity of the habitat, thereby enabling a shared landscape where humans and leopards coexist with minimal hostility.”The Court made a reference to Article 48A of the Constitution and held that ecological preservation was not merely a policy choice but an essential obligation linked with right to life under Article 21. It signified continuous and proactive duty on the State to adopt legislative, administrative and regulatory measures to ensure environmental and wildlife protection. It was submitted by the counsel for the petitioners that activities like night safaris wherein spotlights and torches were directed at the animal and their caves, as well as usage of drones for locating the animals in the region, during dusk hours, caused stress to the wildlife. The State has been directed to file their response in the matter, and the next date of hearing is April 20, 2026.Title: Apoorva Agrawat v State of Rajasthan & Ors. Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 113Click Here To Read/Download Order

Rajasthan High Court Cracks Down On Unregulated Jawai Tourism; Bans Night Safaris, Use Of Drones To Protect Leopard Habitat

Nupur Agrawal

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