- (1.) HEARD the learned amicus curiae and the counsel for the Central Zoo Authority.
(2.) LEARNED amicus curiae points out that the Central Zoo Authority has derecognised 302 zoos all over India. It is submitted that when a zoo is derecognised, it has to stop exhibition of animals and any violation thereof by continuing exhibition of animals would attract the penal provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. We are told that those zoos were derecognised, as they were not in conformity with the standards prescribed. After derecognition, the Central Zoo Authority has not issued any direction in regard to the fate of the animals which are kept in derecognised zoos. We, therefore, direct the Central Zoo Authority to come up with comprehensive guidelines as to (i) how it will deal with application for revival of recognition; (ii) the manner in which the animals in derecognised zoos should be dealt with.
(3.) THE amicus curiae pointed out that unless there is a direction to stop exhibiting the animals in derecognised zoos, the zoos will not be motivated to rectify the shortcomings and provide the upgradation required as per the guidelines prescribed by the Central Zoo Authority and the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, for giving recognition again. The Central Zoo Authority is directed to come up with proper suggestion in this regard also. The suggestions / guidelines to be submitted within a period of eight weeks.;