The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre, Kerala government and various other states on a PIL by Shubham Awasthi against use of explosives and other cruel ways to ward off wild elephants.
The petition claims that use of barbaric means and explosives to ward off wild animals is unconstitutional, illegal and violative of the Indian Constitution. Petition seeks orders to governments for necessary amendments in the Prevention of Cruelty against Animals Act, 1960 to enhance punishments for causing cruelty against animals, making it more stringent as per modern times.
He also sought that the Centre, State Governments should fill vacancies in forest forces for effective management and for propagation of necessary awareness pertaining to Animal-Human Conflicts.
The petition sought issuance of directions for updation of forest forces with modern equipment and necessary literature required to fulfil their duties to the absolute best, and issue guidelines for animal census in states to understand the need of wildlife and take appropriate measures to protect it.
It also seeks specific guidelines for tracking of elephants in order to save them from threat of extinction and cruelty.