[Snake Venom Case] High Court Seeks Response Of Haryana Govt On Protection Plea By Animal Rights Activist Who Filed FIR Against YouTuber Elvish Yadav

The Punjab & Haryana High Court issued notice on a protection plea filed against YouTuber Elvish Yadav for allegedly giving life threats to the animal rights activists who recorded a viral video of Yadav and filed an FIR against him for using Snake Venom as drugs.

Yadav was recently arrested for allegedly procuring and selling snake venom at rave parties. He was reportedly booked under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, IPC (party to criminal conspiracy), 284 (negligent conduct related to poison that endangers human safety), and 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animals) and provisions of the NDPS Act.

While issuing notice to the Haryana Government, DGP and other authorities, Justice Jasjit Singh Bedi, listed the matter for April 18.

Saurabh Gupta and his brother Gaurav Gupta moved the High Court seeking police protection against the YouTuber and his associates. It is stated that the petitioners are animal rights activists and they recorded the viral video of Yadav and lodged an FIR against him for using snake venom in rave parties.

The petitioners alleged that since they reported the case, they have been receiving threatening calls from Elvish and his associates, demanding the withdrawal of their complaint.

"Petitioners are in great need to protect their life and liberty from respondent (Elvish Yadav) and their assailants, because he has high political and police links," the plea added.

Consequently, the petitioners have sought the protection of their life and liberty which is allegedly in imminent danger at the hands of Yadav and their associates.

Title: Saurabh Gupta & Ors v. State of Haryana & Ors.

A.S. Shera advocate for the petitioner.