Rajasthan High Court Bans Night Safaris and Drones in Jawai Leopard Reserve to Protect Wildlife from Disturbance

• Jawai Leopard Reserve is a popular wildlife tourism spot in the western part of Rajasthan’s Pali district. It is known for its rocky hills, water bodies and a good population of leopards that live in close proximity to human settlements. Many tourists visit for leopard safaris, especially in the evening and night. While this brings income to local people, the rapid growth of tourism has led to problems like too many vehicles, loud noise and artificial lights that disturb the animals.

• Night safaris involve driving vehicles with bright lights (spotlights and torch lights) into the reserve after sunset to spot leopards. Drones are also used to locate animals from above. These activities disturb the natural behaviour of leopards and other wildlife. Leopards are nocturnal animals, but constant lights and noise force them to change their hunting and resting patterns. This causes stress, affects their health and can even lead to them moving away from the area. The court observed that such unregulated tourism was harming the fragile ecosystem.

• The division bench of Justices Sandeep Shah and Pushpendra Singh Bhati gave clear directions::

• No safari or wildlife spotting activity shall be allowed between 7 pm and 6 am.

• No person shall use torch lights, spotlights, search lights, drones or any similar devices to locate animals.

• Any instance of disturbance, harassment or interference with wildlife by safari operators, hotel staff or tourists must be reported immediately and dealt with strictly under the law.

• The court said these steps are necessary to follow the constitutional mandate for wildlife protection.

• Article 48A is a Directive Principle of State Policy added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976. It says: “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.”

Although it is not directly enforceable like fundamental rights, the courts have linked it to Article 21 (Right to Life). This means the government has a duty to protect nature, and citizens also have a responsibility (under Article 51A(g)) to show compassion towards living creatures. The High Court reminded the state government of this duty while issuing the order.

• This decision shows that courts are ready to step in when tourism harms nature. Jawai is often called “leopard country”, but without proper rules, the very animals that attract tourists could disappear. The ban on night activities gives leopards peaceful hours to hunt and rest. It also sets an example for other reserves in India to balance tourism with conservation. The court noted that if simple searches for leopards yield results only in a “modest region” like Jawai, it proves the need for stricter protection rather than more disturbance.

• The state government and forest authorities must now enforce these rules strictly. Hotels, safari operators and tourists have been warned. Any violation can lead to penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The court has asked for proper monitoring and preventive measures. This interim order may become permanent after further hearings.