Centre for Environmental Law v. Union of India

In this case, the Supreme Court had to judge whether or not there was a necessity for the reintroduction of the Asiatic lion, an endangered species which is threatened of extinction.

The plaintiffs seek from the Supreme Court an order that would force the State of Gujarat to create a second home for Asiatic lions at Kuno. The defendant, the State of Gujarat, motivated it refusal by explaining that there are already Asiatic lion sanctuaries in the forest of Gir and that there was no need to create a new one in Kuno. Also the State of Gujarat pointed out that the reintroduction of the Asiatic lions in Kuno would create some conflict with the local communities, especially with the farmers. Finally, the defendant justified its position by explaining that fighting poaching should be a priority instead of creating new sanctuaries.

The supreme Court held that re-introduction of the Asiatic lion in Kuno was a priority that cannot be delayed if we want to protect this species from extinction. The court considered that the fact that the Asiatic lion had been historically present in Kuno and that there was an important prey ratio is a guarantee that the re-introduction should take place there. As a result, the court requested the Ministry of Environment and Forest to issue an order to re-introduce the Asiatic lion in Kuno within a six month period.