Kerala's amendment to Wildlife Protection Act sparks federal debate over 'vermin' declaration powers
The Kerala government has introduced the Wild Life Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill 2025, seeking to devolve powers from the Union to the State regarding wildlife management. The Bill aims to allow the State to declare Schedule II animals, such as wild boars, as 'vermin' to address severe human-wildlife conflict. It also empowers the Chief Wildlife Warden to order the killing or capture of animals that have injured humans. However, critics argue this move challenges federal structures as Wildlife is on the Concurrent List, and any state law repugnant to the Central Act requires Presidential assent.
Key Points
- Wildlife is a subject under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution.
- Section 62 of the Central Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 currently reserves the power to declare 'vermin' for the Union government.
- The amendment seeks to address a 'lived crisis' of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala's agricultural and forest buffer zones.
- Legal experts note that state amendments to central laws in the Concurrent List require Presidential assent under Article 254.
Exam Facts
- Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
- Wild Life Protection (Kerala Amendment) Bill 2025.
- Section 62 of the Central Act governs 'vermin' status.
- Wildlife is listed in the Concurrent List (List III) of the Seventh Schedule.
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