|
In a positive move, the Federal Cabinet approved a plan to grant administrative and statutory powers for Project
Tiger so it can handle most cases by itself rather than depend on the over-burdened administrative system for action. To facilitate this decision, the Government will modify the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
While this is a very progressive move, many sections of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 need change. For instance, the minimum fine for offenses against wild animals is only Rs. 10,000 and 3-7 years imprisonment. Subsequent offences cost only Rs. 25,000 and 3-5 years of imprisonment. With the over-burdened, inadequate, and ill-equipped rickety judicial system in place, most poachers (especially the rich and famous) have been able to get away without being caught or let off with a simple slap on the wrist.
The face of Bollywood crime in India,
Salman Khan, has managed to get out of jail despite having been caught multiple times killing endangered species.
Mansoor Ali Khan ‘Tiger’ Pataudi
is also a free man after being caught with the carcass of an endangered animal in his vehicle parked in his driveway and housing bullets from his registered gun. Many other actors and actresses (including Pataudi’s son) have also been caught poaching or inciting others to kill endangered species.
If India wants to protect its endangered wild life, more concerted measures are needed – specifically, the country should actively imprison those high profile people who literally get away with murder.
|
