PolityGS-III· 1 min read
Supreme Court on Forest Guard Prosecution Immunity
Why in news?
The Supreme Court has directed Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards who are on the frontline of protecting the Chambal region from illegal sand mining.
Key points
- Supreme Court directs UP, MP, and Rajasthan to consider immunity from prosecution for forest guards.
- Immunity to be considered for bona fide actions taken against illegal sand miners in the line of duty.
- The immunity is similar to that provided to the Armed Forces.
- The court aims to protect forest officials from fear of prosecution while combating illegal activities.
- The directive is a response to the rampant illegal mining destroying the National Chambal gharial sanctuary and the murders of forest guards.
Background & context
Illegal sand mining poses a significant threat to ecosystems and the safety of forest officials. The Chambal region is known for its fragile ecosystem and the gharial population. Forest guards often face dangerous situations and violence from illegal miners.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The immunity is to be considered under Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Environment and Ecology, Conservation; Internal Security.