Kerala High Court Directs Strict Adherence to SOP in Wildlife Handling; Disposes of Plea Over Leopard Cub Rescue - 2025-04-22

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Kerala High Court Upholds Forest Department's Actions in Leopard Cub Rescue, Emphasizes SOP Adherence

Kochi , Kerala - The Kerala High Court, comprising Justices A.Muhamed Mustaque and Shoba Annamma Eapen , has disposed of an appeal (WA 1311/2023) filed by animal rights activist Angels Nair against the Union of India, concerning the rescue of leopard cubs by forest officials in Palakkad district. The court upheld the decision of the single judge, finding no fault in the forest department's actions while stressing the importance of strictly following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) when dealing with wild animals.

Background of the Case

The case originated from a writ petition (WP(C) No.4366 of 2022) filed by Angels Nair , General Secretary of the NGO “Animal Legal Force Integration,” prompted by a newspaper report about leopard cubs found in an uninhabited house in Ummini village. Nair alleged that forest officials violated NTCA guidelines by hastily removing the cubs and failing to reunite them with their mother, suspecting the department intended to keep the cubs for a zoological park. The single judge had previously dismissed the petition, finding that the officials acted to protect the cubs from a potentially harmful crowd and did not violate wildlife laws.

Appellant's Arguments

Appearing in person, Angels Nair reiterated concerns that the Forest Department had violated SOPs issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 . Nair argued that no genuine effort was made to reunite the cubs with their mother, and the department's intent was to exploit the cubs for display.

Forest Department's Stand

Represented by Special Government Pleader (Forest) Sri.T.P.Sajan, the Forest Department submitted that the cubs were found in a human-populated area, not orphaned, but seemingly disturbed by local crowds, causing the mother leopard to retreat. They stated that the SOP for straying animals was not applicable as there was no straying reported. The department claimed that the cubs were moved to transit care for safety and medical attention due to the presence of crowds and potential stress. They detailed efforts to reunite the cubs with the mother, succeeding with one cub, while the other, unfortunately, died after 56 days due to weakness despite expert medical care. The department affirmed that all standard protocols were followed and that staff were trained in wildlife rescue and SOPs.

Court's Observations and Decision

The High Court reviewed the submissions and the affidavit filed by the Forest Department. It acknowledged that the situation arose due to the presence of local people around the location of the cubs. The court noted the department's efforts to safeguard the cubs and attempt reunification with the mother. The judgment highlighted that one cub was successfully reunited, while the other succumbed to illness despite care.

The court concurred with the single judge's view and found no reason to intervene. While disposing of the appeal, the bench underscored the critical importance of adhering to SOPs when dealing with wild animals in human habitats.

"…we are of the view that while dealing with wild animals, the forest officials have to be keen in following the SOP."

The court concluded by directing the Forest Department to strictly adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the NTCA and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, especially when wild animals are found straying into human-dominated areas in the future. This judgment reinforces the need for protocol-driven approaches in wildlife management and rescue operations, balancing animal welfare and human safety.