Courts will lean toward animals who are silent victims of commercial ventures: Supreme Court

Overview The Supreme Court has emphasized its inclination towards protecting animals, particularly concerning the obstruction of their migration paths by human activities and commercial ventures. This observation was made during a hearing regarding petitions filed by hotel and resort owners in the Nilgiris , who are contesting orders to vacate areas designated as elephant corridors. Key Developments Court's Stand A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi stated that the interests of animals, who are often silent victims of commercial developments, should be prioritized. The court highlighted that constructions in elephant corridors interfere with elephant movement. Background of the Case The case involves hotels and resorts located in the Sigur Plateau in the Nilgiris , Tamil Nadu . The Tamil Nadu government has notified these areas as elephant corridors. The hotel and resort owners are contesting orders to vacate these areas. Madras High Court's Decision On September 12 , the Madras High Court approved the recommendation of a panel appointed by the Supreme Court. This panel declared that land purchased by private parties in the elephant corridors of the Sigur Plateau was illegal, and constructions on this land should be dismantled. Extent of Constructions The court was informed that there are over 800 constructions within the Sigur elephant corridor, including 39 resorts and 390 houses. Arguments by Hotel Owners Senior advocates Salman Khurshid and Shoeb Alam , representing the hotel and resort owners, argued that the properties were purchased before the elephant corridors were officially notified. They proposed allowing the businesses to continue under the condition that they remain "eco-friendly" and do not expand. Adjournment The Supreme Court has adjourned the matter for further hearing in the first week of January . UPSC Relevance GS Paper 3: Environment and Ecology This case is highly relevant to GS Paper 3 , specifically concerning environmental conservation, biodiversity, and human-animal conflict. It highlights the challenges of balancing economic development with the protection of wildlife habitats. GS Paper 2: Governance The role of the judiciary and government policies in environmental protection is also relevant to GS Paper 2 . The case demonstrates the judiciary's active role in enforcing environmental regulations and resolving conflicts between commercial interests and conservation efforts. Important Facts for Prelims Location: The case is centered around the Sigur Plateau in the Nilgiris , Tamil Nadu . Elephant Corridors: The importance of maintaining elephant corridors for wildlife conservation. Madras High Court: The High Court's decision to uphold the dismantling of illegal constructions. Number of Constructions: Over 800 constructions, including 39 resorts, are affected.