The Forest squad conducted a raid on the petitioner's

restaurant, wherein, the petitioner was found to be in possession

of the Black Corals in the aquarium belonging to him. The

Range Forest Officer, Chikkamagaluru, registered the FIR against

the petitioner-accused for the offences punishable under

Sections 2(a), 9, 39, 44, 48(a), 51 and 57 of the Wildlife

Protection Act, 1972. Taking exception of the same, this petition

is filed.

2.

Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner-accused

submits that, the FIR registered against the petitioner is on the

basis of the raid conducted by the forest squad, wherein, it is

alleged that the petitioner is alleged to be in possession of the

Black Corals without license and it is an offence punishable

under the Provisions of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hence, he

submits that the registration of the FIR on the basis of the raid

conducted by the forest squad who is not the competent

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authority as specified under Section 50 (1) and (8) of the Wildlife

Protection Act, is, one without authority of law.

3.

On the other hand, learned HCGP appearing for the

respondent-State submits that the petitioner was found to be in

possession of the Black