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WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972
10. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991] 12
11. Hunting of wild animals to be permitted in certain cases 13
12. Grant of permit for special purposes 13
13. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991] 14
14. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991] 14
15. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991] 14
16. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991] 14
17. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991] 14
CHAPTER IIIA
PROTECTION OF SPECIFIED PLANTS
17A. Prohibition of picking, uprooting, etc. of specified plant 15
17B. Grants of permit for special purposes 15
17C. Cultivation of specified plants without licence prohibited 15
17D. Dealing in specified plants without licence prohibited 16
17E. Declaration of stock 16
17F. Possession, etc., of plants by licensee 16
17G. Purchase, etc., of specified plants 17
17H. Plants to be Government property 17
CHAPTER IV
PROTECTED AREAS Sanctuaries
18. Declaration of sanctuary 17
18A. Protection to sanctuaries 18
18B. Appointment of Collectors 18
19. Collector to determine rights 19
20. Bar of accrual of rights 19
21. Proclamation by Collector 19
22. Inquiry by Collector 19
23. Powers of Collector 19
24. Acquisition of rights 19
25. Acquisition proceedings 20
25A. Time-limit for completion of acquisition proceedings 21
26. Delegation of Collector’s powers 21
26A. Declaration of area as sanctuary 21
27. Restriction on entry in sanctuary 22
28. Grant of permit 23
29. Destruction, etc., in a sanctuary prohibited without a permit 23
30. Causing fire prohibited 23
31. Prohibition of entry into sanctuary with weapon 24
32. Ban on use of injurious substances 24
33. Control of sanctuaries 24
33A. Immunisation of live-stock 25
33B. Advisory Committee 25
34. Registration of certain persons in possession of arms 25
34A. Power to remove encroachment 26 National Parks
35. Declaration of National Parks 26
36. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991] 28
36A. Declaration and management of a conservation reserve 28
36B. Conservation reserve management committee 29
36C. Declaration and management of community reserve 29
36D. Community reserve management committee 30 Closed Area
37. [Omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003] 30
Sanctuaries or National Parks declared by Central Government
38. Power of Central Government to declare areas as sanctuaries or National Parks or conservation reserves 30
CHAPTER IVA
CENTRAL ZOO AUTHORITY AND RECOGNITION OF ZOOS
38A. Constitution of Central Zoo Authority 31
38B. Term of office and conditions of service of Chairperson and members, etc. 32
38C.
38K.
CHAPTER IVB
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
CHAPTER IVC
38Y.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER V
TRADE OR COMMERCE IN WILD ANIMALS, ANIMAL ARTICLES AND TROPHIES
39. Wild animals, etc., to be Government property 45
40. Declarations 47
40A. Immunity in certain cases 48
41. Inquiry and preparation of inventories 48
42. Certificate of ownership 49
42A. Surrender of captive animals, animal article, etc. 49
43. Regulation of transfer of animal, etc. 49
44. Dealings in trophy and animal articles without licence prohibited 50
45. Suspension or cancellation of licences 52
46. Appeal 52
47. Maintenance of records 52
48. Purchase of animals, etc., by licensee 53
48A. Restriction on transportation of wild life 53
49. Purchase of captive animal, etc., by a person other than a licensee 53
CHAPTER VA
PROHIBITION OF TRADE OR COMMERCE IN TROPHIES, ANIMAL ARTICLES, ETC., DERIVED FROM CERTAIN ANIMALS
49A. Definitions 54
49B. Prohibition of dealings in trophies, animal articles, etc., derived from scheduled animals 54
49C. Declaration by dealers 55
CHAPTER VB
REGULATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA AS PER CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA 49D
49D. De nitions 57
49E. Designation of Management Authority 58
49F. Designation of Scientific Authority 58
49G. Directions of Central Government 59
49H. International trade in Scheduled specimen and restriction in respect thereof 59
49-I. Conditions for scheduled specimens 59
49J. Conditions for import of scheduled specimens 60
49K. Conditions for re-export of scheduled specimens 60
49L. Conditions for introduction from sea of scheduled specimens 60
49M. Possession, transfer and breeding of living scheduled animal species 61
49N. Application for Licence by breeders of Appendix I species 62
49-O. Licence of breeders of Appendix I species 62
49P. Prohibition on alteration, etc. 62
49Q. Species and scheduled specimens to be Government property 62
49R. Application of provisions of Act in respect of species listed in Schedule I or II and Schedule IV 63
CHAPTER VI
PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF OFFENCES
50. Power of entry, search, arrest and detention 63
51. Penalties 69
51A. Certain conditions to apply while granting bail 73
52. Attempts and abetment
53. Punishment for wrongful seizure
54. Power to compound offences
55. Cognizance of offences
56. Operation of other laws not barred
57. Presumption to be made in certain cases
58. Offences by Companies 78
CHAPTER VIA
FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY DERIVED FROM ILLEGAL HUNTING AND TRADE
58A. Application 79
58B. Definitions
58C. Prohibition of holding illegally acquired property
58D. Competent authority
CONTENTS
58E. Identifying illegally acquired property 82
58F. Seizure or freezing of illegally acquired property 83
58G. Management of properties seized or forfeited under this Chapter 85
58H. Notice of forfeiture of property 85
58-I. Forfeiture of property in certain cases 85
58J. Burden of proof 87
58K. Fine in lieu of forfeiture 87
58L. Procedure in relation to certain trust properties 88
58M. Certain transfer to be null and void 88
58N. Constitution of Appellate Tribunal 89
58-O. Appeals 89
58P. Notice or order not to be invalid for error in description 89
58Q. Bar of Jurisdiction 89
58R. Competent Authority and Appellate Tribunal to have powers of civil court 90
58S. Information to competent authority 90
58T. Certain officers to assist Administrator, competent authority and Appellate Tribunal 90
59U. Power to take possession 90
58V. Rectification of mistakes 91
58W. Findings under other laws not conclusive for proceedings under this Chapter 91
58X. Service of notices and orders 91
58Y. Punishment for acquiring property in relation to which proceedings have been taken under this Chapter 91 CHAPTER VII
MISCELLANEOUS
59. Officers to be public servants 92
60. Protection of action taken in good faith 92
60A. Reward to persons 93
60B. Reward by State Government 93
61. Power to alter entries in Schedules 93
62. Declaration of certain wild animals to be vermin 94
62A. Regulation or prohibition of import, etc., of invasive alien species 94
62B. Power to issue directions 94
63. Power of Central Government to make rules
64. Power of State Government to make rules 96
65. Rights of Scheduled Tribes to be protected 97
66. Repeal and savings
I
II
WILD LIFE (STOCK DECLARATION) CENTRAL RULES, 1973
1. Short title and commencement
2. Declaration by manufacturer of, dealer or taxidermist in animal article etc. 249
WILD LIFE (TRANSACTIONS AND TAXIDERMY) RULES, 2024
1. Short title and commencement 251
2. Definition
3. Acquiring, receiving or keeping specified animal, in control, custody or possession or put under process of taxidermy or make article, etc.
4. Submission of report of stocks
5. Sale of specified animal, etc.
6. Taxidermy or making animal article
7. Maintenance of voucher
8. Transport of specified animal, etc.
9. Appeal
FORM I: Application for permission to acquire, receive, keep specified animal, animal article etc. or put under process of taxidermy or make animal article
FORM II: Permission to acquire, receive, keep in control, custody or possession specified animal or animal article etc. or put under process of taxidermy or make animal article 255
FORM III: Report of stocks 256
FORM IV: Application for permission to purchase specified animal etc. 257
FORM V: Permission to purchase specified animal, etc. 257
FORM VI: Application for permission to transport specified animal, etc. 258
FORM VII: Permission to transport specified animal, etc. 258
WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) LICENCING (ADDITIONAL MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION) RULES, 2024
1. Short title and commencement 260
2. Additional matters for consideration for grant of licence 260
WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) RULES, 1995
1. Short title and Commencement 261
2. Definitions 261
3. The manner of the notice under clause (c) of section 55 261 FORM “A”
WILD LIFE (SPECIFIED PLANTS — CONDITIONS FOR POSSESSION BY LICENSEE) RULES, 1995
1. Short title, Extent and Commencement
2. Definition
3. Conditions and other matters subject to which the licensee may keep any specified plants in his custody or possession
WILD LIFE (SPECIFIED PLANT STOCK DECLARATION) CENTRAL RULES, 1995
1. Short title and commencement 264
2. Declaration, of stocks by a cultivator or dealer in specified plants, parts and derivatives thereof 264
NATIONAL ZOO POLICY, 1998
1. Preamble
2. Objectives
3. Strategy for Achieving the Objectives
3.1 General Policy About Zoos
3.2 Acquisition of Animals
3.3 Animal Housing
3.4 Upkeep of Animal Collections
3.5 Health Care
3.6 Research and Training
3.7 Breeding Programme for Species
3.8 Education and Outreach Activity
3.9 Extension Activities
3.10 Amenities to Visitors
DECLARATION OF WILD LIFE STOCK RULES, 2003
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Publicity of intent of notification and Assistance in making application
4. Procedure for filing applications
5. Presentation and scrutiny of applications
6. Place of filing application
7. Date and place of hearing to be notified
8. Decision on applications
9. Hearing on application ex parte
10. Inquiry by the Chief Wild Life Warden or authorised officer
11. Certificate of ownership
12. Dealing with declared objects
13. Order to be signed and dated
14. Communication of order to parties
FORM: Application under section 40A of Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 for certificate of ownership
NATIONAL BOARD FOR WILD LIFE RULES, 2003
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definitions
3. National Board for Wild Life
4. Meetings
5. Removal from the National Board
6. Disclosure of interest by members
7. Presiding over the meetings of the National Board
8. Quorum
9. Invitees to the National Board meetings
10. Record of business
11. Appointment of Committees
12. Travelling and other allowances to members of the
13.
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (SALARIES, ALLOWANCES AND OTHER CONDITION OF APPOINTMENT) RULES, 2006
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Travelling and other allowances to the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and members
4. Appointment of Member-Secretary on re-constitution of the Tiger Conservation Authority
5. Terms and other conditions of service of Member-Secretary
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE OF EXPERTS OR PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS) RULES,
2006
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Qualifications and experience for expert or professional members
4. Conditions for serving as an expert or professional (non-official members)
5. Tenure of expert or professional member
6. Declaration of financial or other interest
7. Debarring a member temporarily or his removal from Authority 281
FORM I: Declaration against acquisition of any adverse financial or other interest 281
RECOGNITION OF ZOO RULES, 2009
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Application for Recognition
4. Fee for Application
5. Documents to be filled along with the application and particulars it should contain
6. Power to make inquiries and call for information
7. Form of recognition
8. Renewal of recognition
9. Classification of zoos
10. Standards and norms for recognition
11. Maintenance of Records and submission of Inventory
SCHEDULE
FORM I: Application for getting recognition from the central zoo authority under section 38H (sub-section (2))
FORM II: Proforma for Quarterly/Annual Inventory Report
BREEDERS OF SPECIES LICENCE RULES, 2023
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definition
3. Procedures for filing of applications for Licence
4. Fees for Licence
5. Registration of applications
6. Verification of application
7. Grant of Licence
8. Cancellation of Licence
9. Order to be signed and dated
11. Maintenance of stock
FORM I: Application for Licence
FORM II: Application for Licence/Renewal of Licence
FORM III: Inquiry Report and Recommendation
FORM IV: Licence for breeders
FORM V: Proforma for an Appeal
CAPTIVE ELEPHANT (TRANSFER OR TRANSPORT) RULES, 2024
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definition
3. Application for Transfer of Elephant
4. Inquiry by the Deputy Conservator of Forests
5. Transfer within the State
6. Transfer outside State
7. Terms and Conditions for transfer
8. Application for Transport of elephant
9. Conditions for transport
10. Validity
11. Appeal
FORM I: Application for transfer of Elephants
FORM II: Certificate by the Veterinary practitioner
FORM III: Report of the Deputy Conservator of Forests
FORM IV: Recommendations of the Chief Wild Life Warden of the recipient State
FORM V: Application for transport of Elephant(s)
FORM VI: Transport Permit for Elephant issued by the Chief Wild Life Warden
SCHEDULED SPECIMEN (CONDITIONS AND PROCEDURE FOR EXEMPTION), RULES, 2024
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Exemptions for specimens under transit or transhipments
4. Application for pre-convention certificate 315
5. Exemptions for personal or household effects
6. Specimen of Appendix I bred in captivity to be treated as that of Appendix II 316
7. Acceptance of certificate in lieu of permits or certificates 317
8. Non-commercial loan, donation or exchange between scientist, scientific institution 317
9. Standards for registration of scientific institutions
10. Registration of specimens in a travelling zoo, circus, menagerie, plant exhibition or other travelling exhibition
11. Verification with country of import 319
FORM I: Form for Application for Pre-Convention Certificate
FORM II: Legal Procurement Certificate
FORM III: Pre-Convention Certificate
FORM IV: Form for Application for personal or Household effects 325
FORM V: Certificate for household effects
FORM VI: Application for treating Appendix I species bred in captivity as Appendix II
FORM VII: Application for registration of Scientist or Scientific institution who intends, for a non-commercial loan, donation or exchange of herbarium specimens, other preserved, dried or embedded museum specimens, and live plant materials
FORM VIII: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora Management Authority Certificate and Label for Scientific Institution
FORM IX: Application for Registration of specimens in a travelling zoo, circus, menagerie, plant exhibition or other travelling exhibition
FORM X: Registration Certificate of specimens in a travelling zoo, circus, menagerie, plant exhibition or other travelling exhibition
LIVING ANIMAL SPECIES (REPORTING AND REGISTRATION) RULES, 2024
1. Short title and commencement
2. Definitions
3. Application for registration of possession
4. Application for reporting and registration of birth
5. Application for reporting and registration of transfer 335
6. Manner for reporting death of animal species 336
7. Maintenance of stock 336
8. Rejection or cancellation of Registration Certificate 336
9. Order to be signed and dated 337
10. Appeal 337
11. Dealing with scheduled specimen 337
FORM I: Application for reporting and registration 337
FORM II: Report of the Deputy Conservator of Forests 339
FORM III: Registration certificate
FORM IV: Veterinary Health Certificate
NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NORMATIVE STANDARDS FOR TOURISM ACTIVITIES
PROJECT TIGER) GUIDELINES, 2012
1. Short title 342
PART A
GUIDELINES UNDER SECTION 38-O (C) OF THE WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972 FOR PROJECT TIGER CHAPTER I
2. Tiger conservation 343
3. Background 343
4. Present status of tiger, co-predators, prey and habitat 344
5. Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves 346
6. General reasons for tiger decline in areas outside tiger reserves 350
7. Present approach to tiger conservation 350
8. Milestone Initiatives taken for strengthening tiger conservation 353
9. Thrust areas for the XII Plan period 357
10. Field strategies with sub-activities 358
11. Local livelihood under Project Tiger 363
12. Details of funding allocation under Project Tiger since inception over various Plan periods 363
APPENDIX A: List of core and critical Tiger Habitats of Tiger Reserves in India, notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006 (as on 24-9-2012)
APPENDIX B: List of buffer and peripheral areas in india, notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006 (24-9-2012)
PART A
CHAPTER II
DETAILED GUIDELINES OF PROJECT TIGER
13. Introduction
14. Past funding pattern and major activities supported under the Scheme
15. Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
16. Ongoing activities and additionalities to be supported under the revised Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Project Tiger
17. State to enter into Memorandum of Understanding
18.
19.
APPENDIX C: Tripartite memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Environment and Forests (National Tiger Conservation Authority) Bikaner House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi Government of …………, and field director ……… tiger reserve
PART B
GUIDELINES FOR TOURISM IN AND AROUND TIGER RESERVES PREAMBLE
1. The Need for Guidelines
2. Guidelines for Developing State Tourism Strategy for Tiger Reserves
ANNEXURE I: Estimation of carrying capacity
ANNEXURE II: Brief note on limits of acceptable change
SAMPLE CHAPTER
Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972
[53 OF 1972]*
1[An Act to provide for the 2[conservation, protection and management of wild life] and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto with a view to ensuring the ecological and environmental security of the country.]
3[***]
CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY
Short title, extent and commencement.
1. (1) This Act may be called the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
4[(2) It extends to the whole of India 5[***].
(3) It shall come into force in a State or Union territory to which it extends 6[***] on such date as the Central Government may, by notification, appoint, and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act or for different States or Union territories.
Definitions.
2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
7[(1) “animal” Includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, other chordates and invertebrates and also includes their young and eggs]
(2) “animal article” means an article made from any captive animal or wild animal, other than vermin, and includes an article or object in which the whole or any part
1. Substituted for the long title by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
2. Substituted for “protection of wild animals, birds and plants” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
3. Preamble omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
4. Substituted for sub-section (2), ibid
5. Words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, w.e.f. 31-10-2019.
6. Words “, or may become extended in future,” omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
7. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
*Dated 9-9-1972
of such animal 8[has been used, and ivory imported into India and an article made therefrom];
(3) 9[***]
9a[(4) “Board” means a State Board for Wild Life constituted under sub-section (1) of section 6;]
(5) “captive animal” means any animal, specified in 10[Schedule I or Schedule II], which is captured or kept or bred in captivity;
(6) 11[***]
(7) “Chief Wild Life Warden” means the person appointed as such under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 4;
12[(7A) “circus” means an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where animals are kept or used wholly or mainly for the purpose of performing tricks or manoeuvres;]
(8) 13[***]
9a[(9) “Collector” means the chief officer in charge of the revenue administration of a district or any other officer not below the rank of a Deputy Collector as may be appointed by the State Government under section 18B in this behalf;]
(10) “commencement of this Act”, in relation to—
(a) a State, means commencement of this Act in that State, (b) any provision of this Act, means the commencement of that provision In the concerned State;
14[(11) “dealer” in relation to any captive animal, animal article, trophy, uncured trophy, meat or specified plant, means a person, who carries on the business of buying or selling any such animal or article, and includes a person who undertakes business in any single transaction;]
(12) “Director” means the person appointed as Director of Wild Life Preservation under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 3;
14[(12A) “Forest officer” means the Forest officer appointed under clause (2) of section 2 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (16 of 1927) or under any other Act for the time being in force in a State;
(12B) “forest produce” shall have the same meaning as in sub-clause (b) of clause (4) of section 2 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (16 of 1927);]
8. Substituted for “has been used” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
9. Clause (3) omitted, ibid.
9a. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
10. Substituted for “Schedule I, Schedule II, Schedule III or Schedule IV” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
11. Clause (6) omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
12. Inserted, ibid
13. Clause (8) omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
14. Substituted, ibid.
(13) 15[***]
(14) “Government property” means any property referred to in section 39 16[or section 17H];
(15) “habitat” includes land, water or vegetation which is the natural home of any wild animal 17[or specified plant];
(16) “hunting”, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, includes,—
17a[(a) killing or poisoning of any wild animal or captive animal and every attempt to do so;
(
(
b) capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping, driving or baiting any wild or captive animal and every attempt to do so;]
c) injuring or destroying or taking any part of the body of any such animal or, in the case of wild birds or reptiles, damaging the eggs of such birds or reptiles, or disturbing the eggs or nests of such birds or reptiles;
17[(16A) “invasive alien species” means a species of animal or plant which is not native to India and whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wild life or its habitat;]
(17) “land” includes canals, creeks and other water channels, reservoirs, rivers, streams and lakes, whether artificial or natural, 18[marshes and wetlands and also includes boulders and rocks];
(18) “licence” means a licence granted under this Act;
17a[(18A) “livestock” means farm animals and includes buffaloes, bulls, bullocks, camels, cows, donkeys, goats, sheep, horses, mules, yaks, pigs, ducks, geese, poultry and their young but does not include any animal specified in 19[Schedules I, II and IV];]
17a[(19) “manufacturer” means a person who manufactures articles from any animal or plant specified in 20[Schedules I, II and III], as the case may be;
(20) “meat” includes blood, bones, sinew, eggs, shell or carapace, fat and flesh with or without skin, whether raw or cooked, of any wild animal or captive animal, other than a vermin;
(20A) “National Board” means the National Board for Wild Life constituted under section 5A;]
(21) “National Park” means an area declared, whether under section 35 or section 38, or deemed, under sub-section (3) of section 66, to be declared, as a National Park; (22) “notification” means a notification published in the Official Gazette;
15. Clause (13) omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
16. Inserted, ibid
17. Inserted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
17a. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
18. Substituted for “and also includes boulders and rocks” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
19. Substituted for “Schedules I to V” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
20. Substituted for “Schedules I to V and VI”, ibid
(23) “permit” means a permit granted under this Act or any rule made thereunder;
21[(24) “person” shall include any firm or company or any authority or association or body of individuals whether incorporated or not;]
22[(24A) “protected area” means a National Park, a sanctuary, a conservation reserve or a community reserve notified under sections 18, 35, 36A and 36C of the Act;]
(25) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
23[(25A) “recognised zoo” means a zoo recognised under section 38H;
24[(25B) “reserve forest” means the forest declared to be reserved by the State Government under section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (16 of 1927), or declared as such under any other State Act;
(26) “sanctuary” means an area declared as a sanctuary by notification under the provisions of Chapter IV of this Act and shall also include a deemed sanctuary under sub-section (4) of section 66;]
25[(26A) “Schedule” means a Schedule appended to this Act;]
26[(27) “specified plant” means any plant specified in 27[ Schedule III];]
(28) 28[***]
(29) “State Government”, in relation to a Union territory, means the Administrator of that Union territory appointed by the President under article 239 of the Constitution;
24[(30) “taxidermy”, with its grammatical variations and cognate expressions, means the curing, preparation or preservation or mounting of trophies;]
23[(30A) “territorial waters” shall have the same meaning as in section 3 of the Territorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and other Maritime Zones Act, 1976 (80 of 1976);]
(31) “trophy” means the whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal, other than vermin, which has been kept or preserved by any means, whether artificial or natural, and includes—
(a) rugs, skins and specimens of such animal mounted in whole or in part through a process of taxidermy, and
(32) “uncured trophy” means the whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal, other than vermin, which has not undergone a process of taxidermy,
21. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
22. Inserted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
23. Inserted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
24. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
25. Inserted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
26. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
27. Substituted for “Schedule VI” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
28. Clause (28) omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
and includes a 29[freshly killed wild animal, ambergris, musk and other animal products];
(33) “vehicle” means any conveyance used for movement on land, water or air and includes buffalo, bull, bullock, camel, donkey, elephant, horse and mule;
30[(34) “vermin” means any wild animal notified under section 62;]
(35) “weapon” includes ammunition, bows and arrows, explosives, firearms, hooks’ knives, nets, poison, snares and traps and any instrument or apparatus capable of anaesthetizing, decoying, destroying, injuring or killing an animal;
31[(36) “wild animal” means any animal specified in 30[Schedule I or Schedule II] and found wild in nature;]
31[(37) “wild life” includes any animal, aquatic or land vegetation which forms part of any habitat;]
(38) “Wild Life Warden” means the person appointed as such under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 4;
30[(39) “zoo” means an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibiting to the public or ex situ conservation and includes a circus and off-exhibit facilities such as rescue centres and conservation breeding centres, but does not include an establishment of a licensed dealer in captive animals.]
COMMENTS
SECTION NOTES
2.1 Definition of “Animal Article” [Section 2(2)]
An article made from any captive or wild animal. “Animal Article” includes:
An article or object in which the whole or any part of such captive or wild animal (excluding vermin) has been used. Ivory imported into India.
An article made from ivory imported into India. Animal Article does not include: Vermin.
2.2 Definition of “Dealer” [Section 2(11)] Dealer in relation to:
Any captive animal, Animal article, Trophy, Uncured trophy, Meat, or
29. Substituted for “freshly-killed wild animals” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
30. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
31. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
Specified plant, Means:
A person who carries on the business of buying or selling any such animal or article.
Inclusion in “Dealer”:
A person who undertakes business in any single transaction.
2.3 Definition of “Hunting” [Section 2(16)]
The term hunting includes: Its grammatical variations and cognate expressions. Hunting also includes following Activities:
2.3-1 Killing or Poisoning:
Killing or poisoning of any: Wild animal.
Captive animal. Every attempt to do so.
2.3-2 Capturing and Related Actions:
Capturing, coursing, snaring, trapping, driving, or baiting any: Wild animal.
Captive animal. Every attempt to do so.
2.3-3 Injuring, Destroying, or Taking Parts:
Injuring or destroying or taking any part of the body of any such animal. In the case of wild birds or reptiles: Damaging their eggs. Disturbing their eggs or nests.
2.4 Definition of “Trophy” [Section 2(31)]
Trophy means the whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal kept or preserved by any means, whether artificial or natural and includes: Mounted Specimens:
Rugs, skins, and specimens of such animal mounted in whole or in part through a process of taxidermy.
2.5 Definition of “Uncured Trophy” [Section 2(32)]
Uncured trophy means the whole or any part of any captive animal or wild animal which has not undergone a process of taxidermy.
“Uncured Trophy” includes:
Freshly killed wild animal, Ambergris, Musk, or Other animal products.
“Uncured Trophy” excludes: Vermin.
CHAPTER II
AUTHORITIES TO BE APPOINTED OR CONSTITUTED UNDER THE ACT
Appointment of Director and other officers.
3. (1) The Central Government may, for the purposes of this Act, appoint,—
(a) A Director of Wild Life Preservation;
(b) 32[***]
(
c) such other officers and employees as may be necessary.
(2) In the performance of his duties and exercise of his powers by or under this Act, the Director shall be subject to such general or special directions, as the Central Government may, from time to time, give.
32a[(3) The officers and other employees appointed under this section shall be required to assist the Director.]
Appointment of Chief Wild Life Warden and other officers.
4. (1) The State Government May, for the purpose of this Act, appoint,—
(a) a Chief Wild Life Warden;
(b) Wild Life Wardens; 33[***]
34[(bb) Honorary Wild Life Wardens;]
(c) such other officers and employees as may be necessary.
(2) In the performance of his duties and exercise of his powers by or under this Act, the Chief Wild Life Warden shall be subject to such general or special directions, as the State Government may from time to time, give.
(3) 35[The Wild Life Warden, the Honorary Wild Life Warden] and other officers and employees appointed under this section shall be subordinate to the Chief Wild Life Warden.
32. Clause (b) omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
32a Substituted, ibid
33. Word “and” omitted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
34. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
35. Substituted for “The Wild Life Warden” by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 1991, w.e.f. 2-10-1991.
Power to delegate.
5. (1) The Director may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, by order in writing, delegate all or any of his powers and duties under this Act to any officer subordinate to him subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order.
(2) The Chief Wild Life Warden may, with the previous approval of the State Government by order in writing, delegate all or any of his powers and duties under this Act, except those under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 11, to any officer subordinate to him subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the order.
(3) Subject to any general or special direction given or condition imposed by the Director or the Chief Wild Life Warden, any person, authorised by the Director or the Chief Wild Life Warden to exercise any powers, may exercise those powers in the same manner and to the same effect as if they had been conferred on that person directly by this Act and not by way of delegation.
36[Constitution of the National Board for Wild Life.
5A. (1) The Central Government shall, within three months from the date of commencement of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 (16 of 2003), constitute the National Board for Wild Life consisting of the following members, namely:—
(
a) the Prime Minister as Chairperson;
(b) the Minister in-charge of Forests and Wild Life as Vice-Chairperson;
(
c) three members of Parliament of whom two shall be from the House of the People and one from the Council of States;
36a[(d) Member, NITI Aayog in-charge of Environment, Forest and Climate Change;]
(
e) five persons to represent non-governmental organizations to be nominated by the Central Government;
(f) ten persons to be nominated by the Central Government from amongst eminent conservationists, ecologists and environmentalists;
(g) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry or Department of the Central Government dealing with Forests and Wild Life;
(h) the Chief of the Army Staff;
(i) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry of Defence;
(j) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting;
(k) the Secretary to the Government of India in-charge of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance; S.
36. Inserted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002, w.e.f. 1-4-2003.
36a. Substituted by the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, w.e.f. 1-4-2023.
9 WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972 S. 5C
(l) the Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Tribal Welfare;
(m) the Director-General of Forests in the Ministry or Department of the Central Government dealing with Forests and Wild Life;
(n) the Director-General of Tourism, Government of India;
(o) the Director-General, Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education, Dehradun;
(p) the Director, Wild Life Institute of India, Dehradun;
(q) the Director, Zoological Survey of India;
(
r) the Director, Botanical Survey of India;
(
s) the Director, Indian Veterinary Research Institute;
(
t) the Member-Secretary, Central Zoo Authority;
(u) the Director, National Institute of Oceanography;
(v) one representative each from ten States and Union territories by rotation, to be nominated by the Central Government;
(w) the Director of Wild Life Preservation who shall be the Member-Secretary of the National Board.
(2) The term of office of the members other than those who are members ex officio, the manner of filling vacancies referred to in clauses (e), (f) and (v) of sub-section (1), and the procedure to be followed in the discharge of their functions by the members of the National Board shall be such, as may be prescribed.
(3) The members (except members ex officio) shall be entitled to receive such allowances in respect of expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as may be prescribed.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the office of a member of the National Board shall not be deemed to be an office of profit.
Standing Committee of the National Board.
5B. (1) The National Board may, in its discretion, constitute a Standing Committee for the purpose of exercising such powers and performing such duties as may be delegated to the Committee by the National Board.
(2) The Standing Committee shall consist of the Vice-Chairperson, the Member-Secretary, and not more than ten members to be nominated by the Vice-Chairperson from amongst the members of the National Board.
(3) The National Board may constitute committees, sub-committees or study groups, as may be necessary, from time to time in proper discharge of the functions assigned to it.
Functions of the National Board.
5C. (1) It shall be the duty of the National Board to promote the conservation and development of wild life and forests by such measures as it thinks fit.
WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) ACT 1972 WITH RULES – BARE ACT WITH SECTION NOTES
AUTHOR : Taxmann's Editorial Board
PUBLISHER : Taxmann
DATE OF PUBLICATION : December 2025
EDITION : 2026 Edition
ISBN NO : 9789371264242
NO. OF PAGES : 424
BINDING TYPE : Paperback
Rs. 450
DESCRIPTION
Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 with Rules [Bare Act with Section Notes] by Taxmann presents a concise, updated, and authoritative Bare Act on India's core legislation governing the protection and conservation of wildlife and biodiversity. The publication consolidates the complete text of the Act, along with the applicable Rules, Schedules, and allied statutory provisions, offering a clear statutory framework for wildlife protection, the regulation of hunting, the management of protected areas, and the control of trade in wildlife and wildlife products. Supported by concise section-wise notes, the book aids readers in understanding legislative intent, enforcement mechanisms, and penal provisions, making it a dependable reference for both practice and study.
The Present Publication is the 2026 Edition, covering the amended and updated text of the Wild Life (Protection) Act [Act No. 53 of 1972] and Rules, with the following noteworthy features:
• [Complete Bare Act Text] Full and authentic text of the Act, as amended up to date
