RANJITSINH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Godawan, The Great Indian Bustard: We may not find more apt lines to describe the present state and nature of one of the most wonderful avian species of our ecosystem, the conservation of which this Court has grappled with in the recent past:

(2.) In Rajasthan, it is affectionately alluded by its cultural name as "Godawan". It is inextricably connected to the culture and living of desert communities. The Godawan has been associated with the nobility of the Rajput kings and its majestic stature was likened to the qualities of a noble warrior, making it a subject of admiration in local art and literature. Its survival is a shared cultural responsibility, as the bird represents not just a species but the unique natural heritage and resilience of the arid landscapes. Traditional folklores have also revolved around formulaic folk motifs which usually rhyme like;

(3.) Godawan holds deep cultural and historical significance for the people of Rajasthan. It is considered a symbol of pride and grace, interwoven with local folklore and traditions, and is highly revered, particularly by communities like the Bishnois, who practice eco-veneration and include the bird in their traditional protection norms. This is a classic example depicting our country's tradition of ecocentric, rather than anthropocentric perspective of the universe[A man said to the universe: "Sir, I exist!" "However," replied the universe, "The fact has not created in me A sense of obligation."- Stephen Crane.]. There is much to learn from the philosophy of this community, a movement which began with Shri Jambheshwar, fondly known as Guru Jambhoji proclaiming firmly that "A tree covered in greenery is my temple and my home" to the deeply moving courage and sacrifice of 363 Martyrs in 1730 led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi to protect Khejri trees and late Radheshyam Bishnoi[Rajat Ghai, Radheshyam Bishnoi was a man rooted in the Thar; he must be remembered as India's very own 'Godawan Man' (Down to Earth, May 31, 2025) https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlifebiodiversity/ radheshyam-bishnoi-was-a-man-rooted-in-the-thar-he-must-be-remembered-as-indiasvery- own-godawan-man-sumit-dookia#google_vignette.] (1997-2025) whose sacrifice will continue to inspire us in the times to come. By practising ecocentric living, they honour the intrinsic value of every living being,[The Bishnoi Community's conservation impact is well reflected in Bombay Natural History Society and Rotary Fellowship of Wildlifers for Conservation's joint effort to install a godawan statue to honour the female bustard who tragically lost her life due to collision with power lines in Deg Rai Mata Temple, Oran. See, The Heartfelt Story Of Rajasthan's Godawan Smarak: A Tribute To A Female Great Indian Bustard Who Tragically Lost Her Life (BNHS, December 14, 2024) https://blog.bnhs.org/the-heartfeltstory- of-rajasthans-godawan-smarak-a-tribute-to-a-female-great-indian-bustard-who-tragically-losther- life/. A detailed account of conservation story of Bishnoi Community is narrated in Martin Goodman, My Head for a Tree: The Extraordinary Story of the Bishnoi, the World's First Eco-Warriors (Profile Books, 2025), specifically chapter 7 that discusses the interactions of the author with late Radheshyam Bishnoi on GIB protection.] sustaining a delicate harmony that thrived long before we were told that we can conquer nature and overrule it.