Court appoints Commissioner to inspect premises and report on use of Vidhyadhar Ka Bag, directing total prohibition on marriages, parties, restaurant and similar events causing disturbance to protected wildlife
In a significant judgment dated November 2, 2026, the Rajasthan High Court (Jaipur Bench) in the case of Citizens Protection Society vs. State of Rajasthan issued a comprehensive order prohibiting all commercial and private activities such as marriages, parties, and restaurant operations at the declared monument known as `Vidhyadhar Ka Bag,' situated within a reserved forest area adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary. The Court's directive came in light of complaints regarding disruptive activities involving loud music, laser lights, and fireworks during late night hours, which were causing discomfort to protected wildlife in the vicinity.
The Court took cognizance of the environmental concerns raised in the petition, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding forest and wildlife areas from human-induced disturbances. Referring to the landmark Supreme Court decision in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India, the Court underscored that activities causing noise and light pollution in such ecologically sensitive zones are detrimental to wildlife conservation.
The State submitted that the tender allowing commercial use of the premises had expired on September 14, 2022, and no such activities were ongoing. Forest department representatives corroborated this stance. However, to ensure strict compliance and prevent recurrence, the Court ordered an immediate and complete ban on any commercial use of the property for functions or restaurant purposes going forward.
Further, the Court appointed Ms. Apeksha Bapna as Court Commissioner to conduct an on-site inspection of the monument premises. The Commissioner is tasked with taking photographs and preparing a detailed report for the Court's consideration. The expenses for this inspection, fixed at Rs. 25,000, will be borne by the State. The Court also mandated that the Officer In-charge explain the process under which tenders were issued for the property located adjacent to the forest area.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 8, 2026, with the Court expecting the Commissioner's report and the Officer In-charge's explanation regarding administrative actions. Additionally, the Court has directed the Registry to clarify why the matter was not listed under "final hearing" as previously ordered.
This ruling reinforces the judiciary's proactive role in environmental protection and forest conservation by regulating human activities around ecologically sensitive sites. It sends a strong message against commercial exploitation of heritage properties located near wildlife habitats, thereby balancing heritage preservation with ecological integrity.
Bottom Line:
Environment and forest law - Property situated in/adjacent to reserved forest and wildlife area - Court directed complete prohibition on commercial use of declared monument premises for marriages, parties, restaurant or similar activities, as fireworks, loud music and laser lights during late night hours cause discomfort to protected wildlife - Court Commissioner appointed for inspection and report.
Statutory provision(s):
- Environment Protection Laws (general principles as per T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad case)
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (implied)
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (implied)
