Kerala High Court Grants Bail to 70-Year-Old Accused of Leopard Killing in Reserve Forest

The Kerala High Court granted regular bail to a 70-year-old man accused of killing a leopard using a cable trap in a reserve forest. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas considered the petitioner’s advanced age, lack of prior criminal record, and time spent in custody.

The petitioner faced charges under the Kerala Forest Act and the Wildlife (Protection) Act for trespassing, hunting, and related offences.

The Court noted insufficient evidence regarding who laid the trap or its exact location within the reserve forest. Bail was granted with conditions, taking into account the prima facie gaps in the prosecution’s case.

[Baby V.J.  v  State of Kerala and Ors]