Srinagar, Nov 22 :
J&K Judicial Academy on Friday convened a high-level workshop in Srinagar to strengthen judicial response to rising wildlife crimes across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Senior judges, legal experts and wildlife law specialists called for stricter enforcement, sharper judicial scrutiny and enhanced institutional capacity to safeguard the region’s fragile ecological balance.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, Under the patronage of Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy), and under the guidance of the Hon’ble Chairperson and Hon’ble Members of the Governing Committee of the Academy, the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy, Srinagar, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), organised a One Day Workshop on Wildlife Protection Laws for Judicial Officers of the Kashmir Province and the Union Territory of Ladakh at the Academy premises in Mominabad, Srinagar.
The programme commenced with the Welcome Address by Mr. Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, who highlighted the constitutional mandates enshrined in Article 48A and Article 51A(g), underscoring the duty of the State and every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment and safeguard wildlife. He reflected on the unique ecological sensitivity of Jammu & Kashmir and the growing challenges related to illegal wildlife trade and habitat threats, stressing the urgent need for stronger enforcement and judicial awareness.
This was followed by Introductory Remarks by Dr. Tanushree Srivastava, Senior Manager and Head, J&K WTI, who outlined the scope and objectives of the workshop and emphasized the importance of enhancing institutional capacities to address wildlife crimes effectively.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, emphasized Jammu & Kashmir is not immune to the threats posed by wildlife crimes. He stressed the need for the judiciary to remain proactive and sensitive in enforcing wildlife protection laws and called for consistency and rigor in adjudicating such offences to preserve the region’s fragile ecological balance.
Mr. Jose Louies, Chief of Enforcement & CEO, WTI led Technical Session I by tracing India’s long cultural legacy of wildlife protection, symbolized famously by the Ashokan Lion Capital, reflecting the country’s inherent commitment to coexistence with nature. He outlined the primary drivers of illegal wildlife trade including demand for pets, cultural and traditional practices. Highlighting that poachers have increasingly become aware of enforcement techniques, thus, posing serious challenges to effective detection.
The guest lecture was delivered by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sunil B. Shukre, Former Judge, Bombay High Court & Chairman, Maharashtra State Commission for Backward Classes . Justice Shukre provided an in-depth exposition of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, explaining its conservation-centric objectives and the strict standard of scrutiny adopted by the judiciary. Referencing Supreme Court judgments, he discussed the “broader probabilities” approach applied in wildlife cases, especially in light of evidentiary challenges arising from offences committed in remote wilderness areas.
Mr. Lovish Sharma, Advocate, High Court of Delhi & Legal Advisor, WTI led Technical Session II. Mr. Sharma explained the structure and schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, elaborating on key sections and significant case law. He also reviewed key provisions and significant case law shaping contemporary wildlife jurisprudence.
Mr. Darak Ullah, Former District & Sessions Judge, Assam Judicial Service led Technical Session III. This session focused on the judicial approach required for ensuring successful convictions under wildlife laws, including effective evaluation of evidence, application of statutory presumptions, and awarding compensation in appropriate cases. Mr. Ullah shared practical insights from his judicial experience, illustrating how courts can overcome challenges inherent in wildlife crime prosecution.
Mr. Biswajit Saika, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Govt. of India delivered Technical Session IV. Mr. Saika conducted a demonstration on wildlife article identification, explaining how enforcement agencies examine confiscated articles, distinguish genuine wildlife derivatives from synthetic ones, and document material for prosecution. The session familiarized judicial officers with on-ground procedures followed in wildlife crime investigations.
The programme concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Jose Louies, who expressed gratitude to the J&K Judicial Academy, resource persons, and participating judicial officers for their engagement and commitment.
The workshop was marked by rich discussions, practical demonstrations, and reflective exchanges, reinforcing the Judicial Academy’s ongoing commitment to equipping the district judiciary with the knowledge and sensitivity required to address wildlife crimes with clarity, competence, and ecological consciousness. (KNC)