Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government is considering amending the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to empower the chief wildlife warden to authorise the killing or capture of wild animals that seriously injure humans or threaten public safety. Law Minister P. Rajeeve announced the proposal while addressing a regional conference on human-wildlife conflict in Thiruvananthapuram.
Proposal to Address Human-Wildlife Conflict
The two-day conference, organised by the National Legal Services Authority and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority, was attended by Supreme Court and High Court judges, along with legal experts. Rajeeve stressed that the existing framework was inadequate to protect human life during emergencies involving wild animals.
He highlighted that marginalised communities and small farmers remain the most affected. “If an elephant or tiger strays into a populated area and attacks people, waiting for clearances from senior forest authorities is impractical,” he said.
In February, the Kerala Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to empower chief conservators of forests to take swift emergency measures.
Legal Challenges Ahead
Rajeeve also emphasised the need for a balanced approach. “A comprehensive policy must protect human life while also recognising the ecological value of wildlife,” he said.
Legal experts, however, noted challenges in amending central legislation. Advocate Kaleeswaram Raj pointed out that only Parliament can amend the Act, though the Centre could issue an ordinance as an alternative.
Former High Court judge Kemal Pasha explained another route. “The state can table the proposal in the assembly and secure its passage. But for it to take effect, the President’s assent is essential,” he said.
