Supreme Court expresses concern over attacks on forest rangers

While hearing a plea by forest officers seeking adequate protection, the apex court observed that it is incomprehensible how the forest officials protect vast tracks of uninhabited land merely with a lathi. The forest officials are often attacked by armed poachers in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court bench led by the Chief Justice of India, S A Bobde, asked the Centre and the states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to submit a report within four weeks on steps taken by them to ensure protection to the forest officers from poachers. Home Secretaries of the respective states are assigned to submit the report.

"It is difficult to imagine how any law can be enforced by the forest staff who are unarmed against the poachers who are likely to be heavily armed," observed the Court in its order on a plea by forest officers seeking adequate protection.

Amicus curiae informed the Court today about various incidents in the three states wherein the forest officers were brutally attacked and added that despite filing FIR no action was sought. He said that we have to ensure that the forest officials are protected.

Expressing grave concern over the matter, CJI questioned about the glaring disparity wherein Assam forest rangers are provided with arms while rangers in other states are merely given a "lathi" to defend themselves. He said that the money should be utilised to provide arms, bulletproof jackets and helmets for officers above a certain rank or else it would be prone to risk if it is provided to everyone.

The CJI also remarked that Members of Parliament, officers in Karnataka often get attacked by poachers, unable to defend themselves only with a lathi. Bobde pointed out the inequality.

Talking to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, CJI suggested the creation of separate wildlife division in the Enforcement Directorate or other agencies with upright officials to deal with the issue. SG assured the Court that the issue would be resolved.

CJI also put off the argument that Maharastra Government provides arms to the officers as CJI pointed out that he did not see any arms with the officers during his visit a month ago.

The Court also observed that it is incomprehensible how the forest officers protect the vast tracks of uninhabited land in which the poachers carry out their nefarious activities and take undue advantage. Citing the vastness of uninhabited land in the forest, the Court also mentioned that "a forest ranger is in a situation where he cannot call for help unlike a policeman in the city."

The Court asked the amicus curiae, Solicitor General and other counsel to consult each other and submit a report in the next hearing scheduled after four weeks.

In the same matter, a plea on the cutting of Sheesham trees was also tagged. The Court sought details about the trees which are supposed to be cut and adjourned the matter to January 15.