Thread by @barandbench

#SupremeCourt expresses grave concern over forest officials being attacked by poachers across the country. Asks SG Tushar Mehta so that the Assam model can be followed and arm their forest guards with bulletproof jackets. Asks states to tighten belts of home departments

CJI: Mr Divan has pointed out the danger and helplessness the forest staff is subjected in the course of protecting flora and fauna of forests. Examples of Maharashtra and Rajasthan has been brought on record.

CJI: Senior Adv Divan says these officials often face FIRs for acting to guard forests. We are not going into truth of allegations.

CJI: We think the situation is serious and forest guards would have difficulty in protecting vast tracts of uninhabited lands of which poachers take undue advantage to carry out their nefarious activities.

CJI: It is difficult to imagine how any law can be enforced by the forest staff who are unarmed against poachers who are likely to be carrying arms. We take note of fact that states like Assam and Maharashtra which has armed guards who are forest officers above certain rank

CJI: we don't know what steps are being taken by states where poaching is rampant to save lives of forest guards. SG Tushar Mehta, and others Amicus Curiaes state that they will make a joint submission as to how life of forest Staff can be saved.

CJI: We accordingly adjourn case till 4 weeks. We grant ad interim relief for a prayer made (prayer 2). We issue directions in accordance with prayers made in prayer clauses of the petition. The same may be submitted before the court in four weeks.

CJI: The reports from states be sent by the respective state Home Secretaries instead of DGP

SG: some public projects are pending due to the interventions in this case

CJI: you make a list of all those IAs and we can take it up next week

#SupremeCourt

How can unarmed forest guards enforce law against poachers? Supreme Court

#SupremeCourt #forest

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