In Brief
A man was accused of illegally possessing a turtle in violation of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. A veterinary surgeon identified the seized turtle as an Indian Flap Shell (Lissemys punctata), which is not listed in the protected species schedule. The High Court quashed the criminal proceedings, holding that the species seized was not covered by the Act. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision, finding that offences under the Wildlife Act can only apply to scheduled species. Since the identified turtle was not included in Schedule I Part II, no offence was committed, and the criminal proceedings were correctly quashed."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.