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Supreme Court Orders Uniform Rs 10 Lakh Payout for Wildlife Deaths, Sets National Guidelines Timeline

The Corbett-linked ruling urges states to treat human–wildlife conflicts as natural disasters to unlock faster relief.

Overview

  • The Court directed the National Tiger Conservation Authority to issue Model Guidelines on human–wildlife conflict within six months, with every state required to implement them within six months of release.
  • Payment of Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for each human death caused by wildlife was declared mandatory under the MoEF&CC’s CSS-IDWH framework with uniform application nationwide.
  • States must create compensation systems that are smooth, accessible and inclusive, covering crop loss, cattle loss, injuries and deaths without procedural delays.
  • Stronger coordination was ordered across Forest, Revenue, Police, Disaster Management and Panchayati Raj departments to ensure swift, clearly defined responses to incidents.
  • Issued by a bench led by CJI BR Gavai in the In Re: Corbett matter, the judgment noted Uttar Pradesh has already notified such conflicts as natural disasters and told other states to positively consider similar action.