Supreme Court to Revisit Contempt Case Over Elephant Protection Orders

The Supreme Court will hear a plea questioning West Bengal's alleged non-compliance with orders to stop using fireballs against elephants. Filed by Prerna Singh Bindra, the contempt plea highlights incidents where cruel methods are still used to manage human-elephant conflicts, despite previous court directives.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea concerning alleged non-compliance with its orders directing the avoidance of fireballs to deter elephants approaching human habitations or croplands. This plea, brought forth by Prerna Singh Bindra, emphasizes ongoing violations despite clear directives.

The bench led by Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanthan has sought a response from West Bengal's Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The matter is scheduled for hearing in four weeks. The plea references orders from August and December 2018, which criticized the use of cruel methods in human-wildlife conflict management.

Despite explicit instructions, reports indicate that West Bengal continues to employ 'Hulla' parties armed with fireballs against elephants. The plea emphasizes that these actions are a violation of the Supreme Court's orders and highlights recent incidents exemplifying the state's failure to implement alternative, humane strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)