Bombay HC Addresses Tourists Disrupting Tigress and Cubs at Wildlife Sanctuary

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court took suo motu cognizance of tourists blocking a tigress and her cubs at Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary on December 31, 2024, after a video went viral on the social media.

The Court criticized tourists, guides, drivers, and the Forest Department for delayed action, relying on media reports instead of internal monitoring.

The Forest Department suspended guides and drivers for three months and imposed a ₹25,000 fine for obstructing the tigress and cubs, violating wildlife safety protocols.

A committee was formed to draft stricter guidelines, with a review scheduled for January 20, 2025, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.