Context: The Kerala Forest Department’s recent move to approach the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for a one-time amnesty for people possessing wildlife trophy in the State has reignited a debate over the department’s alleged preferential treatment of wildlife offenders.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key provisions in the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
- As per the Section 40 of WPA, 1972: Any person having the control, custody or possession of any animal article, trophy or uncured trophy of captive animals specified in Schedule I can voluntarily surrender it to the Chief Wild Life Warden (an appointee of state governments) or the Authorised Officer.
- No compensation will be paid to the person for it, and the surrendered items will become the property of the state government.
- Illegal possession of a wildlife trophy can result in imprisonment for three to seven years and a fine of not less than ₹25,000.
Demand for one-time amnesty for people possessing Wildlife Trophy:
- Kerala has pushed a proposal to the State Board for Wildlife for granting another chance to declare wild animal articles and trophies under Section 40 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The last opportunity fixed by the Union government for individuals to declare the wildlife trophy in their possession had expired in 2003.
- Rationale: To offer an opportunity for the legal heirs who inherited wildlife trophies from their ancestors with valid ownership certificates but could not get their names declared.
- The power to provide the amnesty vests with the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The State Board for Wildlife may request the Central government to take suitable action on the matter in real and genuine cases.