Supreme Court to Scrutinize Controversial Video Involving Assam CM and Alleged Wildlife Violation

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a plea demanding accountability from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, following the re-emergence of a controversial video. This footage, which has been circulating online, allegedly depicts Sarma participating in the shooting of an animal, an act that has naturally sparked widespread concern among wildlife enthusiasts and legal experts alike.

The decision to admit the petition was made by a bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta. They've indicated that this new plea will be tagged and heard alongside an existing petition from 2023, which also raises similar allegations against the Chief Minister concerning violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. It seems the legal scrutiny surrounding this matter is truly intensifying.

At the heart of this legal challenge is the video itself. While it resurfaced and gained traction in early 2024, Chief Minister Sarma has stated that the incident actually dates back to 2008. He maintains that at the time, the hunt was entirely legal, conducted within a private forest, and carried out with due permission from the then-Forest Department. A very specific defense, wouldn't you say?

However, the petitioner, Rohit Choudhury, a prominent wildlife activist, isn't convinced. He argues that regardless of when the video was taken, or the specific circumstances described by the Chief Minister, the act of shooting a wild animal fundamentally contradicts the spirit and letter of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Choudhury's plea isn't just about a specific incident; it raises crucial questions about the ethical responsibilities of public figures and the unwavering commitment required for wildlife conservation, especially in a biodiversity-rich state like Assam.

This isn't the first time Choudhury has brought such concerns to the highest court. His earlier petition from 2023 also sought similar action against CM Sarma, suggesting a persistent effort to ensure that wildlife laws are upheld, irrespective of a person's position or influence. The Supreme Court's agreement to delve deeper into these matters sends a powerful message about judicial oversight and the principle that no one is above the law when it comes to protecting India's precious natural heritage.

As this case moves forward, all eyes will be on the legal proceedings. The outcome could potentially set important precedents regarding historical wildlife violations by public figures and reinforce the critical importance of India's wildlife protection framework. It’s a moment that truly underscores the ongoing battle for conservation and accountability in our nation.