Complete Failure Of Intelligence On Part Of Forest Department: Bombay HC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of Tourists Interfering With Tigress & Cubs At Wildlife Sanctuary
Incident drew attention after a video was shared widely on social media and reported in a Marathi daily.

The Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of an incident in which tourists were reportedly obstructing the movement of a tigress (F2) and her five cubs at the Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, located near the Gothangaon Gate.
The incident, which occurred on December 31, 2024, drew attention after a video of the disturbing scene was shared widely on social media and reported in a Marathi daily.
The Division Bench of Justice Nitin W. Sambre and Justice Vrushali V. Joshi noted, "We have noticed that the very conduct of the Gypsy Drivers, Guides and the Tourists was completely unruly and in defiance of not only the rules of nature but also the same has resulted in creating a very disturbing situation for the F2-Tigress and her cubs,"
The Court expressed disapproval of the "unruly" behavior, stating that it not only violated wildlife safety protocols but also disturbed the tigress and her cubs, creating a highly distressing situation.
Initially, the Field Director of the Tiger Reserve responded by issuing a brief seven-day suspension to the drivers and guides involved. However, following the publication of the news article and the viral video, the Field Director revised the punishment, extending the suspensions to three months and imposing a fine of ₹25,000.
The High Court noted, "There is a complete failure of intelligence on the part of the Forest Department as instead of their own staff reporting the matter, it appears that they have got the inputs from the video clip which was circulated on social media and the news article which was published in the newspaper ‘Loksatta’ and thereafter the order of punishment on the Gypsy Drivers and Guides was modified,"
The Bench also highlighted the importance of enforcing the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which includes strict regulations governing entry into wildlife sanctuaries and prohibitions on disturbing wildlife. The Court stressed the need to ensure that Forest officials are more attuned to these legal requirements and sensitive to the protection of wildlife.
Senior Advocate D.V. Chavan, along with Assistant Government Pleader N.S. Rao, represented the Respondents.
In response, the Court directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to file a detailed affidavit outlining the actions taken so far and the measures planned to ensure the safety and protection of the tigress and her cubs. The Court also suggested that the Forest Department consider implementing additional movement restrictions in areas where the tigress and her cubs are present, to prevent future disturbances.
On January 10, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) submitted an affidavit detailing the actions taken, including the disciplinary measures against the drivers and guides involved. Additionally, the affidavit mentioned that a committee, chaired by the Deputy Director of the Bor Tiger Project in Wardha, had been formed to develop new guidelines for the behavior of Gypsy owners, drivers, guides, and tourists in wildlife sanctuaries. This committee is expected to submit its report by January 14.
Despite these steps, the Court noted that more efforts were needed to address the situation adequately. The Government Pleader informed the Court that an additional affidavit would be filed by January 18, providing updates on the progress of the measures being implemented.
The Court also directed that all relevant documents be shared with the Amicus Curiae, Sudheer Voditel, for further review. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on January 20.
Cause Title: Court On Its Own Motion v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.