Nagpur High Court Takes Suo Motu Action on Alarming Tiger Mortality in Maharashtra
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Thursday expressed grave concern over the escalating number of tiger deaths across Maharashtra and directed the registration of a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) to address this critical issue. This judicial intervention follows a distressing news report highlighting a series of tiger fatalities in the state's forests, prompting urgent scrutiny of wildlife protection mechanisms.
Disturbing Statistics Prompt Judicial Scrutiny
The court's order was catalyzed by media reports detailing the deaths of four tigers between December 31, 2025, and January 11, 2026, in the Vidarbha region. Even more alarming was the revelation that in 2025 alone, 11 tigers perished within the first 22 days of the year, positioning Maharashtra as the second-worst state in India for tiger fatalities last year. These figures underscore a deepening crisis in wildlife conservation efforts within the state.
Pattern of Deaths Reveals Systemic Failures
During the proceedings, the court was informed that tiger deaths are occurring under highly disturbing circumstances, including electrocution from illegal live electric fencing and suspected road accidents. The bench observed that this pattern of fatalities points to a worsening human-wildlife conflict and raises serious questions about enforcement, investigation protocols, and accountability among relevant authorities.
The court has appointed advocate Chaitanya Dhruv as amicus curiae to draft the PIL and present the case, emphasizing the need for a thorough legal examination of these systemic lapses.
Recent Tragic Incidents Highlight Urgency
December 31, 2025: A tigress was discovered dead in Selu Murpad village, Wardha district. Preliminary investigations suggest the animal died after contacting an illegally erected live electric fence around a farm. Shockingly, the carcass was allegedly dumped in a water body under a bridge, and more than 13 days later, no arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
January 7, 2026: Two tiger cubs, aged 8 to 9 months, were found dead in the Deolapar area under the Pench Tiger Reserve. While forest officials initially attributed the deaths to a territorial fight, reports indicate a strong possibility that the cubs were killed by a vehicle hit, highlighting the dangers posed by increasing human encroachment and infrastructure near wildlife habitats.
January 11, 2026: A 2-year-old tigress was found dead in the Irai River near Chincholi village, Chandrapur district, close to the Tadoba–Andhari Tiger Reserve. Suspicions point to electrocution from another illegal fence, with the carcass disposed of to potentially destroy evidence, further complicating investigation efforts.
Judicial Concerns Over National Tiger Conservation Authority
The judges also raised pointed concerns regarding the role of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which maintains an office in Nagpur. The court questioned whether information about such tiger death incidents is being properly shared among agencies and whether investigations are being pursued with the requisite seriousness and transparency. This scrutiny underscores broader institutional failures in wildlife protection frameworks.
Scope of PIL and Future Proceedings
The suo motu PIL will comprehensively examine systemic deficiencies in wildlife protection, the investigation processes for tiger deaths, and the escalating human-tiger conflict in Maharashtra. By addressing these interconnected issues, the court aims to foster accountability and enhance conservation measures. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 18, 2026, marking a critical step toward judicial oversight in safeguarding the state's tiger population.
