📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Gyanendrasinghchauha…
Crime
Madhya Pradesh High Court lifts protection for Wildlife SOS chief in leopard poaching case
✍️ indianexpress.com
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 08:39 PM
👁 25
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has withdrawn the court‑ordered protection granted to the chief of Wildlife SOS, citing concerns linked to a leopard poaching investigation.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday rescinded the protective order that had been extended to the chief of the wildlife‑conservation NGO Wildlife SOS. The decision comes amid a probe into alleged leopard poaching activities that have drawn scrutiny from environmental activists and law‑enforcement agencies.
According to court documents, the protection was initially granted to safeguard the NGO leader from potential intimidation while the investigation was underway. However, the bench concluded that the circumstances no longer warranted such measures, noting that the chief's involvement in the case required a transparent legal process.
Legal experts say the move underscores the judiciary's stance that even prominent conservation figures are not immune from scrutiny when alleged wildlife crimes are involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and further legal steps may be taken based on the evidence gathered.
Wildlife SOS, a prominent organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, has not commented publicly on the court's order. The case highlights the growing challenges of combating illegal wildlife trade in central India, where leopards are increasingly targeted for their skins and body parts.
The High Court's order does not imply guilt but merely removes the special protection, allowing standard legal procedures to proceed without additional safeguards for the individual concerned.
According to court documents, the protection was initially granted to safeguard the NGO leader from potential intimidation while the investigation was underway. However, the bench concluded that the circumstances no longer warranted such measures, noting that the chief's involvement in the case required a transparent legal process.
Legal experts say the move underscores the judiciary's stance that even prominent conservation figures are not immune from scrutiny when alleged wildlife crimes are involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and further legal steps may be taken based on the evidence gathered.
Wildlife SOS, a prominent organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, has not commented publicly on the court's order. The case highlights the growing challenges of combating illegal wildlife trade in central India, where leopards are increasingly targeted for their skins and body parts.
The High Court's order does not imply guilt but merely removes the special protection, allowing standard legal procedures to proceed without additional safeguards for the individual concerned.