In Brief
The appellant sought an ownership certificate for a deer horn found in her house, but filed her declaration 7.5 years after the prescribed 180-day deadline under the Wildlife Protection Rules. The Supreme Court held that the 180-day filing period is mandatory and cannot be relaxed. The Court reasoned that the time limit serves the protective purpose of the Wildlife Act and Rules. Publicity requirements mean persons cannot claim ignorance. Once the deadline passes, ownership of undeclared wildlife articles vests in the Government. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the High Court's rejection of the late application.
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