Supreme Court asks States to grant prosecution immunity to Chambal forest guards
The Supreme Court has directed Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards combating illegal sand mining in the Chambal region. This immunity, akin to that for armed forces, would protect them from prosecution for bona fide actions taken in the line of duty. The directive, issued under Article 142 of the Constitution, aims to ensure 'complete justice' and environmental safeguards, following brutal murders of forest guards by miners. The court also ordered immediate steps to augment field-level enforcement, fill vacancies within a year, and establish carpet surveillance with CCTV cameras and live streaming to protect the ecologically sensitive Chambal gharial sanctuary.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court has directed three states to consider granting prosecution immunity to forest guards in the Chambal region.
- The immunity is intended to protect guards from prosecution for bona fide actions against illegal sand miners.
- The directive was issued under Article 142 of the Constitution to ensure 'complete justice' and environmental safeguards.
- The court also mandated augmenting enforcement, filling vacancies, and implementing CCTV surveillance in the protected areas.
- The measures aim to combat rampant illegal mining destroying the National Chambal gharial sanctuary.
Exam Facts
- The directive applies to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
- The immunity is to be considered under Section 218(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
- The Supreme Court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
- The case concerns illegal sand extraction inside the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary.
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