In the Matter of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation, v. State of Chhattisgarh
Case brief
What is this about?
Chhattisgarh High Court (Bilaspur), WPPIL No. 45 of 2025, decided 29/10/2025 by Ramesh Sinha, CJ and Bibhu Datta Guru, J. Suo moto PIL on animal cruelty/wildlife protection arising from a 12.04.2025 India Today report of a bear tortured to death by villagers in Sukma district; disposed of after affidavits and assurances of enforcement, with continuing monitoring directions to the Forest Department/PCCF and a reopening clause for future incidents. Relevant to: suo moto PIL practice, disposal with protective/continuing directions, animal welfare and wildlife enforcement, forest department accountability. No statutes or precedent cases cited in the order.
What did the court decide?
Petition disposed of with continuing directions to the State Government/Forest Department to remain vigilant against cruelty to wildlife, strict enforcement of guidelines/policies/laws/rules by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, periodic sensitization of officers and the public on animal welfare, and liberty to reopen or revive the matter upon any future incident of a similar nature.