Supreme Court Launches Inquiry Into Missing Tiger Reserve Hearing Records
The Supreme Court of India has taken a serious stance on the disappearance of crucial court documents. In a significant development, the apex court has directed its secretary general to conduct a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry into missing records of proceedings from the paper books related to the ongoing tiger reserve hearings. The court has mandated that a detailed report be submitted directly to the Chief Justice of India on the administrative side, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Court Suspects Deliberate Actions by Registry Officials
During the hearing of the petition on Thursday, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, expressed deep concern over what appears to be a systemic issue. The court observed, "It appears that a common practice has emerged among registry officials whereby relevant records of proceedings are found missing from the paper books. We apprehend that such actions are being done deliberately." This strong statement underscores the court's suspicion of intentional misconduct within its administrative machinery.
The bench provided a concrete example to illustrate the problem. "For instance, in the case at hand, the order dated September 8, 2025, which notes the desired future course of action, is conspicuously missing from the paper books," the justices stated. This missing order is pivotal as it outlines the court's directives regarding the future handling of the tiger reserve case, making its absence particularly alarming.
Background of the Goa Tiger Reserve Case
The Supreme Court is currently adjudicating a petition filed by the Goa government. This petition challenges a High Court order that directed the state to declare a tiger reserve in Goa. The legal battle centers on environmental conservation and state authority, with significant implications for wildlife protection in the region.
In its September 8, 2025 order, the Supreme Court had issued several key directives. Firstly, it instructed the Goa government to maintain the status quo concerning the areas that the High Court had ordered to be notified as a tiger reserve. This interim measure was intended to prevent any changes to the land until a final decision is reached.
Secondly, the apex court deemed it appropriate for the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to examine the issue thoroughly. The court requested the CEC to submit a detailed report within six weeks, ensuring an independent assessment of the matter. Additionally, the court granted two weeks after the submission of the CEC report for all parties, including the state government and the Goa Foundation—the petitioner in the High Court—to file their responses. The CEC was also directed to conduct hearings with all stakeholders to ensure a fair and inclusive process.
Implications of the Missing Records
The disappearance of the September 8 order from the paper books raises serious questions about the integrity of court proceedings. Paper books are essential compilations of documents that form the basis of judicial hearings, and any tampering with them can undermine the justice delivery system. The Supreme Court's decision to order an inquiry reflects its commitment to transparency and accountability within its own administration.
This incident not only delays the resolution of the Goa tiger reserve case but also sets a precedent for addressing administrative lapses in the judiciary. The fact-finding inquiry aims to uncover whether the missing records are part of a broader pattern of negligence or intentional obstruction, which could lead to disciplinary actions against responsible officials.
As the inquiry progresses, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court to see how it handles this internal challenge while continuing to adjudicate on the critical environmental issue of tiger conservation in Goa. The outcome could have far-reaching effects on both judicial administration and wildlife policy in India.
