Karnataka HC Demands Faster Wildlife Act Trials

The Karnataka High Court has stressed the need for faster trials under the Wildlife Protection Act, criticizing a 16-year delay in a case involving the killing of a spotted deer in Bandipur forest. The accused, Abdul Rehman and others, had sought to quash the charges, citing double jeopardy, but the court dismissed this, urging quicker conclusion of the case.

The Karnataka High Court has called for swift trials in cases related to the Wildlife Protection Act, expressing frustration over extensive delays in delivering justice.

Justice M Nagaprasanna made these remarks while rejecting a petition by Abdul Rehman and others accused of killing a spotted deer in Bandipur forest back in 2008. Despite 16 years passing, the trial continues, prompting the court to question the prolonged proceedings.

The court attributed the delays to the accused evading appearances, leading to multiple adjournments. Rehman argued double jeopardy due to another case in Kerala, but the court pointed out the jurisdictional differences. It ordered the lower court to conclude the Karnataka case within 12 weeks.

(With inputs from agencies.)