'No Plan To Kill Or Maim Maneater 'MDT 23' Tiger': TN Forest Officials Inform Madras High Court

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu informed the Madras High Court on Tuesday that there was no plan to kill or maim the 'MDT 23' tiger which has triggered panic for allegedly killing humans and livestock in Gudalur division of Nilgiris district.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P.D Audikesavalu observed,

"The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests will use his best discretion to ensure that the least number of persons intrude into any forest, since the natural habitat gets destroyed the moment a large posse of humans enter any forest. However, the respondents are left free to deal with the relevant animal for its treatment and for ascertaining its conduct and behaviour."

The Court was adjudicating upon a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition moved by People for Cattle in India (PFCI) based in Chennai challenging the order passed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests on October 1 to kill tiger MDT23 on the ground that the tiger was dangerous to human life. The petitioner had contended that PCCF's order was not in consonance with the guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

The Court was further informed that efforts are on in the Mudumalai area to capture the animal alive and study its psychology and behaviour to assess what future course of treatment may be adopted.

It was noted by the Court that recent newspaper reports suggest that the tiger was spotted yesterday and that there was a huge uproar to capture the animal.

The Bench further directed that the forest officials must ensure that other animals in the area are not disturbed while tracking down the tiger. However, the Court suggested that discreet measures may be used for such purpose with the object of ultimately treating the animal and respecting its right to remain wild and free to roam in the forest.

A status report was directed to be filed before the next date of hearing which is slated to take place on October 21.

Case Title: People For Cattle In India v. Principal Chief Conservator and Ors 

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