The Karnataka High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought the formulation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safety of zoo staff in the state. The petitioner highlighted 17 incidents involving grievous injuries and fatalities of zoo personnel, as reported in the media, to underscore the urgent need for safety protocols.
Court's Disposal of the PIL
The bench, comprising Chief Justice [Name] and Justice [Name], disposed of the PIL on [date], noting that the state government had already initiated steps to address the concerns. The court observed that the government had formed a committee to study the safety measures and recommend an SOP, rendering the PIL infructuous at this stage.
Incidents Cited by Petitioner
The petitioner, [Petitioner Name], submitted a list of 17 incidents that occurred in various zoos across Karnataka between [year] and [year]. These included cases of animal attacks, falls from heights, and accidents during feeding or cleaning routines. The petitioner argued that the lack of a uniform SOP had led to repeated safety lapses, endangering the lives of zoo employees.
Government's Response
In response, the state government informed the court that it had already constituted a high-level committee, led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), to draft a comprehensive SOP. The committee is expected to consult with zoo directors, animal behavior experts, and safety professionals to create guidelines covering animal handling, emergency response, and equipment standards.
Impact and Next Steps
With the court's disposal, the onus now lies on the state government to finalize and implement the SOP expeditiously. The petitioner's counsel expressed satisfaction with the government's proactive step but urged the court to monitor progress. The court, however, declined to retain jurisdiction, stating that the petitioner could approach the authorities if delays occur.
According to zoo officials, the SOP will address critical areas such as staff training, use of protective gear, and protocols for high-risk tasks like cleaning enclosures of large carnivores. The state's zoo authority has also been directed to conduct regular safety audits and report to the government annually.
