O R D E R

Seeking to quash the final report in C.C.No.136 of 2020 on the file of the learned Judicial Magistrate, Oddanchatram, the present Criminal Original Petition is filed.

2. The respondent is the Forest Range Officer, Ayyalur Range and laid a final report in C.C.No.136 of 2020 before the Judicial Magistrate Court, Oddanchatram against the petitioner/accused for the offences punishable under Sections 2(16)(a)(b)(c)(17)(36), 9, 39, 50, 51 & 52 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

3. The case of the prosecution is that the present petitioner/accused killed a Monitor Lizard and hanged the same in the front portion of his house.

4. Mr.N.Sathish Babu, learned counsel for the petitioner would contend that the Forest Ranger is not a competent authority to lay the final report before the Judicial Magistrate Court, Oddanchatram. According to him, the Forest Ranger found only a dead Monitor Lizard tied in the front portion of the petitioner’s house and the petitioner/accused is no way connected with the present crime. He therefore prayed for quashing the final report filed by the respondent.

5. Per contra, Mr.M.Sakthi Kumar, learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) appearing for the respo