Court declines interim relief, asks State to file details
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha declined to halt jeep safaris for now, while directing the State to respond to a PIL seeking a permanent ban on tiger safaris within critical tiger habitats.
The Karnataka High Court has refused to grant an interim stay on jeep safaris in tiger reserves. The Court was hearing a public interest litigation that seeks a permanent ban on such activities in notified critical tiger habitats.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Poonacha declined immediate interim relief. It instead directed the State government to file a detailed response.
Reports say Mysuru-based advocate V. Ravindra Kumar filed the PIL. He challenged the resumption of tiger safari operations and sought a permanent ban on tiger safaris in critical tiger habitats. He argued that such activities violate established conservation norms.
The challenge also appears to target a February 21, 2026 order that permitted phased resumption of safaris. Reports say the order allowed only 50% of the vehicles and staff previously used.
According to the reports, the petitioner argued that political and commercial considerations influenced the decision to resume safaris. He referred to pressure from local MLAs and resort interests.
He also contended that safari operations run contrary to the Supreme Court’s decision in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India. According to him, that judgment prohibited tiger safari activities.
The Bench did not grant an immediate stay or interim ban. Instead, it sought a fuller factual response from the State on the operation of safaris in tiger reserves.
Report-based sources indicate that the Court asked the State to file a detailed affidavit. The affidavit must clarify the demarcation of core, buffer, and tourism zones. It must also specify the exact locations where safaris are taking place and include maps showing these zones.
Reports also state that the petition referred to fatal tiger attacks in the Nagarahole forests in October 2025. It also highlighted growing concern among local farmers. These concerns had reportedly led to an earlier stoppage of safari activity.
The petitioner is also reported to have sought an inquiry into the technical committee that recommended the resumption of safari operations.
At this stage, the Karnataka High Court has only declined interim stay and called for the State’s reply. The matter remains pending.
Reports indicate that the respondents have been asked to place fuller material before the Court on safari zones and conservation compliance before the Court considers the request for a permanent ban. One report mentions July 7 as the next date. However, that date should be verified from the order before publication.
