Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 22: Under the patronage of 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 Chairperson and 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 here.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by 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.
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, 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.
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.
The guest lecture was delivered by 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.
Lovish Sharma, Advocate, High Court of Delhi & Legal Advisor, WTI led Technical Session II. He explained the structure and schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, elaborating on key sections and significant case law.
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.
Biswajit Saika, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Govt. of India delivered Technical Session IV.
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