Bench directs Centre to formulate guidelines on wildlife relocation while permitting transfer from AN Jha Park
The Supreme Court has permitted the relocation of deer from AN Jha Park in Delhi to a suitable habitat in Rajasthan.
At the same time, the Court directed the Union Government to frame comprehensive guidelines for wildlife relocation across the country.
The Bench said authorities must not carry out wildlife relocation in an ad hoc manner. Instead, they must rely on scientific assessment, expert opinion and ecological suitability.
The matter arose from proceedings concerning the welfare and management of deer housed at AN Jha Park in Delhi.
Concerns arose over the adequacy of the existing habitat. The Court also considered whether the park could support the animals in the long term.
Therefore, the main issue before the Court was whether relocation to a more suitable environment would better serve animal welfare and conservation needs.
During the hearing, the parties addressed several issues.
They referred to the condition and capacity of the existing habitat at AN Jha Park. They also discussed the feasibility of shifting the deer to Rajasthan.
In addition, the Court considered the absence of a uniform national policy on inter-state wildlife relocation.
Authorities placed material before the Court on the proposed relocation plan. This included logistical arrangements, conservation concerns and habitat suitability.
The Supreme Court noted that wildlife management decisions must rest on scientific assessment.
It observed that relocation should protect animal welfare. Moreover, the process must preserve ecological balance.
The Bench also stressed that experts must assess the proposed habitat before relocation. Regulatory authorities must supervise the process as well.
The Court highlighted the absence of standard national guidelines on wildlife relocation.
It said the Union Government must create a structured framework for such decisions. Such a framework would ensure consistency, transparency and conservation-based decision-making.
The Bench further observed that relocation decisions must not depend on case-by-case discretion alone. Instead, authorities must follow clear safeguards and expert evaluation.
The Supreme Court permitted the transfer of deer from AN Jha Park, Delhi, to an appropriate location in Rajasthan.
It directed authorities to carry out the process in line with expert recommendations and applicable legal safeguards.
Further, the Court instructed the Union Government to frame comprehensive guidelines on wildlife relocation.
The Supreme Court granted case-specific relief by allowing relocation of the deer.
However, it also issued broader directions to strengthen wildlife governance in India.
The Court made it clear that future wildlife relocation must follow scientific, transparent and conservation-based standards.
