In Brief
A forest officer seized a turtle from the accused and registered wildlife offences, but a veterinary surgeon identified it as an Indian Flap Shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata). The accused challenged the proceedings, arguing the seized species was not listed in Schedule I Part II of the Wildlife Act. The High Court quashed the case, finding that while Lissemys punctata punctata (a subspecies) is protected, the seized turtle was merely Lissemys punctata (broader species), which is not scheduled. The Supreme Court upheld this decision, holding that the absence of the specific species from the statute means no offence was made out, and the High Court properly exercised its powers to quash the proceedings.
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