NEW DELHI NATURE SOCIETY Vs. DIRECTOR HOTRICULTURE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I INTRODUCTION: The controversy in the instant case centres around the proposed translocation of hundreds of deer from the A.N. Jha Deer Park in Hauz Khas, New Delhi[Hereinafter, being referred to as 'Deer Park'.], an urban green sanctuary for captive deer, to different wildlife sanctuaries/Tiger reserves in the State of Rajasthan as well as within New Delhi. The translocation sought to be undertaken ostensibly on the pretext of overcrowding, is alleged to be in contravention of the norms established by the Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India[Hereinafter, being referred to as 'Central Zoo Authority'.], guidelines framed under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations.[Hereinafter, being referred to as 'ICUN Guidelines'.]

(2.) The Petitioner-New Delhi Nature Society[Hereinafter, being referred to as 'petitioner-Society'.] filed a public interest litigation Writ Petition[Writ Petition (C) No. 12275 of 2023.] before the High Court of Delhi[Hereinafter, being referred to as 'High Court'.], challenging the proposal for translocation of the deer mooted by the authorities, which came to be disposed of vide order dtd. 19/7/2024. A subsequent application[CM Application No. 49658 of 2024.] seeking the recall of the order dtd. 19/7/2024, was dismissed by the High Court vide order dtd. 24/1/2025. These two orders form the subject matter of challenge in the present special leave petitions.

(3.) We now turn to the facts underlying the present proceedings, the submissions advanced by the parties, and the issues that emerge, to determine whether the intervention of this Court is warranted and whether any corrective or consequential directions, are required.