1. Intervention applications on behalf of Indian Circus Federation are allowed. Special Leave granted.

The main challenge in these appeals by Special Leave from the judgment of the Kerala High Court is to the validity of S.22 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 (for short 'the Act') and the Notification issued under S.22 to the effect that no person shall train or exhibit any animals specified therein, namely, bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, and lions.

Briefly stated the facts are that on 2nd March, 1991 a Notification under S.22 was issued banning training and exhibition of bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers and dogs. This Notification was challenged by the Indian Circus Federation before the High Court of Delhi. After the issuance of the Notification, a corrigendum was issued whereby dogs were excluded from the said Notification. Thereafter by an order, dated 21st August, 1997, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court required the Government of India to have a fresh look into the Notification after taking into account materials placed before it by the petitioners therein and other authorities.

A Committee was constituted by the Government of India consistin