Supreme Court Mandates Scientific Review for Deer Translocation from A.N. Jha Deer Park

Court Orders Central Empowered Committee to Assess Ecological and Welfare Impacts of Deer Relocation Amid Allegations of Mismanagement

In a significant judgment delivered on November 26, 2025, the Supreme Court of India has directed a comprehensive scientific assessment of the translocation of deer from A.N. Jha Deer Park, New Delhi, following allegations of mismanagement and non-compliance with conservation guidelines. The decision comes in response to a petition filed by New Delhi Nature Society challenging the translocation process, which it claims has led to adverse ecological and welfare outcomes for the deer.

The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta underscored the importance of adhering to statutory standards and international conservation protocols, emphasizing that wildlife management must be rooted in scientific assessment and ecological prudence. The court has called upon the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct an on-ground survey of the Deer Park and the release sites in Rajasthan, including Ramgarh Vishdhari and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserves, to verify compliance with the guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority and IUCN.

The court's directive aims to address serious allegations put forth by the petitioner-Society, including overcrowding during transportation, lack of habitat suitability studies, and inadequate post-release monitoring. The judgment outlines a roadmap for future translocations, emphasizing the necessity of ecological feasibility studies, veterinary screening, tagging, and structured post-release surveillance to safeguard the welfare of the translocated deer.

The Supreme Court has also placed a temporary stay on further translocation of deer from A.N. Jha Deer Park, pending the submission of the CEC's report. The directive includes a prohibition on commercial activities within the park, urging the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to focus on educational outreach and biodiversity awareness campaigns.

Highlighting the constitutional commitment to environmental protection, the court reiterated that wildlife management cannot be driven by administrative convenience but must reflect the principles of dignity, ecological integrity, and intergenerational equity.

Bottom Line:

The translocation of deer from A.N. Jha Deer Park, New Delhi, to wildlife sanctuaries must adhere strictly to guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority and IUCN, ensuring scientific assessment, ecological feasibility, and animal welfare.

Statutory provision(s): Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 Sections 38H(4), 38H(6); Articles 48A, 51A(g), 21 of Constitution of India

New Delhi Nature Society v. Director Horticulture DDA, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2812779