Karnataka High Court Takes Up PIL Challenging Tiger Safari Resumption
The Karnataka High Court has issued formal notices to the state government and wildlife authorities in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition that seeks a complete prohibition on tiger safari activities across the state's national parks and forest reserves.
Court Directs Detailed Response on Safari Zones
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha has directed the respondents to submit a comprehensive affidavit by July 7, 2026. This document must clearly delineate the specific areas or zones that have been officially earmarked for conducting tiger safaris. The court has scheduled the next hearing for this date to review the submitted information.
Petition Challenges Controversial Wildlife Order
The PIL was filed by Mysuru-based advocate V Ravindra Kumar, who is contesting a February 21, 2026 order issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). This order authorized the partial resumption of tiger safari operations under what were described as strict operational guidelines.
The controversial order permitted only 50% of the safari vehicles—primarily buses—and corresponding staff that were operational prior to a complete ban imposed on November 7, 2025, to resume activities.
Allegations of Improper Influence and Legal Violations
The petitioner has made serious allegations that the decision to restart safaris was not based on conservation or safety merits but was instead influenced by external pressure. Specifically, the PIL claims that local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and powerful resort lobby groups exerted undue influence on the wildlife authorities.
Furthermore, the petition argues that this permission directly contravenes a landmark Supreme Court judgment. The advocate cited the ruling in the Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India case, which imposed a comprehensive ban on all tiger safari activities to protect the endangered species and their habitat.
Background: Safety Incidents Led to Initial Ban
The plea provides critical context for the initial prohibition. It references a series of fatal tiger attacks that occurred in October 2025 within the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve forests. These tragic incidents, coupled with escalating tensions among local farming communities who felt threatened, prompted wildlife authorities to halt all safari operations in national parks across Karnataka.
The petition also calls for a formal inquiry into the technical committee that recommended the resumption of safari activities. The petitioner questions the committee's findings and the basis for its recommendation, suggesting a need for greater transparency and accountability in wildlife management decisions.
This legal development highlights the ongoing conflict between wildlife conservation efforts, tourism interests, and community safety in regions surrounding India's critical tiger habitats.
