In Brief
The Deputy Range Forest Officer appealed a High Court order quashing criminal proceedings against the accused for illegal possession of a turtle. The Veterinary Surgeon identified the seized turtle as Indian Flap Shell (Lissemys punctata), while the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 protects only Indian Soft-shelled Turtle (Lissemys punctata punctata)—a different subspecies. The Supreme Court held that since the seized turtle was not listed in Schedule I Part II of the Act, the High Court correctly exercised its discretion under Section 482 Cr.P.C. to quash the proceedings. The appeal was dismissed."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.