NEED TO PRESERVE WILDLIFE: –

The extinction of the wildlife will ultimately lead to an extinction of the human race itself. Preservation of the wildlife is important for maintaining the ecological balance in environment and sustaining the ecological chain. The wildlife is beneficial to mankind in following ways: –

• Economic Importance
• Ecological balance 
• Gene bank
• Conservation of biodiversity 
• Scientific value
• Recreation sports 
• Aesthetic value 
• Cultural value 

THE WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT, 1972: –

Under Article 252[i] of the Constitution of India, the Parliament passed the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, at the request of 11 states.[ii] It was intended to provide for the national legal framework for wildlife protection. The Act adopts two conservation strategy: –
1. All species are protected in specific areas.
2. Specified endangered species are protected regardless of location.

OBJECTIVE: –

• To provide for the protection of wild animals, birds, and plants and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto;
• To ensure the ecological and environment security of the country. 

AUTHORITIES CONSTITUTED UNDER THE ACT: –

The central government[iii] can appoint for this Act,
a) A director of wildlife preservation;
b) Such officers and employees as may be necessary.
Similarly, the state government[iv] may appoint: –
a) A chief wildlife warden
b) Wildlife wardens
c) Honorary wildlife wardens
d) Such other officers and employees as may be necessary.

PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF THE OFFENCES UNDER THE ACT: –

PREVENTION: –

Section 50[v] of this Act confers power of entry, search, arrest and detention on the Director or any other officer authorized by him or the chief wildlife warden or any other officer but not below the rank of Sub – Inspector.[vi] The procedure for Section 50 is described under Section 100 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.[vii]

POWERS GRANTED FOR PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF OFFENCES: –

Compensation:- According to the Section 54[viii] of the Act, On the information given by the Parliament, the central government may authorize the Director of Wildlife preservation or any other officer not below the rank of Assistant Director of Wildlife Preservation to accept compensation in terms of money from the person who have committed the offence or the person who suspected to be.[ix]
Release from offence:- By paying the compensation with regard to the offence made by a person against provisions of the Act, such suspected person if in custody can get a release from the custody and no further proceedings will be laid upon against that person for his offence.[x]
Cancellation of license: – The officer on compounding of any offence has the power to order the cancellation of any license or grant permit under the Wildlife Protection Act to the offender of provisions under Act. If an officer is not capable, then approach an officer who is authorized, for the cancellation of license or permit of the offender.[xi]
Punishment: – The sum of money taken as the compensation against the offence done by any person against the provisions of the Act, shall not exceed the sum of Rs. 25,000 as long as that offence, for which a minimum period of imprisonment is prescribed in Section 51,[xii] shall be compounded.[xiii]

JUDICIAL PRONOUNCEMENT: –

In the case of Moti Lal v. Central Bureau of Investigation and Another,[xiv] the provisions mentioned under CrPC are generally relevant to the investigation and trial of wildlife crimes and offences if not especially opposed by the Act. Section 50 is not a complete code; it has to be read with other provisions of the law.
In the case of State of UP v. Lalloo Singh,[xv] the forest authorities intercepted a tractor trolley carrying sand being dug and loaded from the end of a river within the sanctuary. The authorities arrested the person carrying the sand and seized the tractor trolley.
HELD: – It was held that when the seized vehicle is taken before the magistrate, he has the power to pass the appropriate order in respect of that according to the law. The magistrate must keep in mind that the vehicle becomes the property of the government only when the same has been used for committing an offence under that act and has been seized.