India is home to a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna — from Bengal tigers and Asian elephants to rhinos and snow leopards. But with this richness comes responsibility. The laws relating to hunting of wild animals are among the most crucial legal frameworks in India’s environmental protection regime. These laws aim to conserve biodiversity, prevent illegal poaching, and ensure that our natural heritage survives for generations.
In this article by Law ki Baat, we will explore the laws relating to hunting of wild animals, key provisions under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, exceptions, punishments, and the rights of the Chief Wildlife Warden. We’ll also answer important questions like What is the law on hunting wild animals in India? and Is killing an animal in self-defense legal in India?
🌿 What Is the Law on Hunting Wild Animals in India?
To begin understanding the laws relating to hunting of wild animals, we must first define what “hunting” means in a legal sense.
Under Section 2(16) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, hunting includes:
- Capturing, killing, poisoning, snaring, or trapping any wild animal.
- Attempting to do so.
- Injuring or destroying any part of such animal or its eggs/nests.
Thus, even the attempt to capture or kill a wild animal is considered an offence under Indian law.
So, what is the law on hunting wild animals in India? The answer lies primarily in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which completely bans hunting of any animal listed under its Schedules, except in special circumstances provided under Sections 11 and 12.
This Act forms the foundation of animal protection laws in India, integrating the nation’s commitment to conservation laws India, wildlife crime prevention, and biodiversity protection law.
⚖️ Is Hunting Illegal in India?
Yes — hunting is illegal in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
According to Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, no person shall hunt any wild animal specified in Schedules I, II, III, and IV except as provided under Sections 11 and 12.
This means that hunting animals such as tigers, leopards, lions, elephants, and many others is strictly prohibited. The law is designed to prevent illegal wildlife hunting and poaching, which has historically led to the decline of endangered species in India.
However, as we’ll discuss later, there are certain hunting exceptions in India — mostly related to public safety, disease control, or scientific research.
📜 Which Act Bans Hunting of Wild Animals in India?
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is the principal legislation that bans hunting of wild animals in India.
This Act was enacted to ensure:
- Protection of wild animals, birds, and plants.
- Regulation of hunting and trade in wildlife products.
- Establishment of protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
It is one of the cornerstones of Indian environmental law and the eco-legal framework India has developed since the 1970s.
🦏 What Is Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act?
Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is the heart of the laws relating to hunting of wild animals.
It reads:
“No person shall hunt any wild animal specified in Schedules I to IV, except as provided under Section 11 and Section 12.”
Essentially, this section establishes a complete prohibition on hunting, subject to specific permissions. Violating this provision is a punishable offence leading to imprisonment and fines.
Section 9 has been the basis for many judgments, including State of Bihar vs. Murad Ali Khan (1989), where the Supreme Court emphasized that hunting even without killing constitutes a serious offence.
🧾 What Are the Exceptions to the Ban on Hunting in India?
While the laws relating to hunting of wild animals are strict, there are legal exceptions mentioned under Section 11 and Section 12 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
🔸 Section 11 – Permission for Hunting Dangerous or Diseased Animals
The Chief Wildlife Warden or an authorized officer may permit hunting if:
- The animal has become dangerous to human life.
- The animal is so disabled or diseased that it cannot recover.
This ensures that human safety is protected while also considering animal welfare.
🔸 Section 12 – Hunting for Special Purposes
Hunting may be allowed for:
- Education or scientific research.
- Scientific management, including translocation or population control.
- Collection of specimens for recognized museums or zoos.
Therefore, if you ask, Can you hunt wild animals for research in India?, the answer is yes, but only under strict permit from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
👮♂️ Who Can Permit Hunting in India?
The authority to grant permission lies with the Chief Wildlife Warden of the state.
Under the laws relating to hunting of wild animals, no one can independently hunt even for research unless they have written authorization. This permission system ensures accountability and prevents misuse.
Such permissions are extremely rare and closely monitored under wildlife trade regulations and forest and wildlife conservation laws.
🛡️ Is Killing an Animal in Self-Defense Legal in India?
A common question under the laws relating to hunting of wild animals is: 👉 Is killing an animal in self-defense legal in India?
Yes — killing or injuring a wild animal is not considered an offence if it is done to protect human life.
Under Section 11(2) of the Wildlife Protection Act, an act of self-defense is justified if:
- The killing is unavoidable to save human life.
- The person reports the incident to authorities immediately.
However, killing in defense of property (like crops) does not automatically qualify as self-defense under the Act.
🚫 What Are the Punishments for Hunting Animals in India?
The punishments for hunting wild animals in India depend on the Schedule to which the animal belongs.
🔹 For Animals in Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II
- Imprisonment: Minimum 3 years, extendable to 7 years.
- Fine: Minimum ₹10,000.
🔹 For Animals in Schedule III or IV
- Imprisonment: Up to 3 years.
- Fine: Up to ₹25,000.
Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, as hunting is treated as a serious wildlife crime under animal cruelty law and biodiversity protection law.
🐅 Major Case Laws on Hunting in India
Several landmark cases have shaped the laws relating to hunting of wild animals:
- State of Bihar vs. Murad Ali Khan (1989) – Supreme Court confirmed that hunting includes not just killing, but also attempting or injuring wildlife.
- Sansar Chand vs. State of Rajasthan (2010) – Poaching and illegal trade in tiger skins were deemed major threats to national conservation.
- Centre for Environmental Law vs. Union of India (2013) – Supreme Court reaffirmed wildlife as a national asset, placing duties on the state to protect it under Article 48A and 51A(g) of the Constitution.
🌍 Why Hunting of Wild Animals Is Prohibited
The laws relating to hunting of wild animals serve multiple purposes:
- Preventing extinction of endangered species.
- Maintaining ecological balance.
- Promoting forest and wildlife conservation.
- Discouraging illegal wildlife trade.
- Upholding eco-legal framework India obligations under global conventions like CITES.
By prohibiting hunting, India fulfills its moral and constitutional duty under Article 48A — to protect and improve the environment.
🧬 Can You Hunt Wild Animals for Research in India?
Yes, but strictly under Section 12 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
This section allows the Chief Wildlife Warden to issue special permits for scientific or educational purposes. However, such permissions are rare and subject to strict monitoring.
Thus, laws relating to hunting of wild animals do not permit open hunting but only regulated, justified research-based activity.
🦜 Wildlife Sanctuaries, Poaching, and Conservation
Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks play a critical role in enforcing the laws relating to hunting of wild animals.
Poaching in India remains a challenge, driven by illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. Strict enforcement, community awareness, and forest department vigilance are key to success.
To tackle poaching in India, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to coordinate national efforts.
🧑⚖️ Constitutional and International Backing
The laws relating to hunting of wild animals are supported by India’s Constitution and international commitments:
- Article 48A: Duty of the State to protect the environment and wildlife.
- Article 51A(g): Duty of every citizen to protect the natural environment.
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): India is a signatory, regulating cross-border wildlife trade.
🕊️ Enforcement and Challenges
Despite strong laws, challenges remain in implementing the laws relating to hunting of wild animals:
- Corruption and weak surveillance in remote forest areas.
- Inadequate manpower in forest departments.
- Conflict between wildlife protection and tribal rights.
- Demand for exotic animal trade.
Strengthening community-based conservation and technology-driven monitoring (like drone surveillance and digital tracking) can improve outcomes.
🌏 Role of Citizens and NGOs
Every citizen plays a part in protecting wildlife. NGOs like WWF India, WTI, and local forest groups actively help enforce the laws relating to hunting of wild animals.
Reporting wildlife crimes, refusing to buy illegal animal products, and supporting eco-tourism initiatives are small but significant steps toward biodiversity protection law compliance.
⚖️ Conclusion
The laws relating to hunting of wild animals in India are not merely about punishing poachers — they reflect India’s deep respect for nature and balance. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with its Sections 9, 11, and 12, provides a clear legal structure that bans hunting while allowing limited exceptions in rare, justified cases.
As citizens, understanding hunting laws in India helps us recognize that wildlife is not just part of our environment — it is our shared heritage.
Through strict enforcement, public participation, and respect for nature, we can ensure that India’s forests continue to thrive — because protecting wildlife means protecting ourselves.
🧾 FAQs on Laws Relating to Hunting of Wild Animals
Q1. What is the law on hunting wild animals in India? The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 bans hunting of wild animals except under Sections 11 and 12 for safety or research.
Q2. Is hunting illegal in India? Yes, hunting is illegal and punishable with imprisonment and fines under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Q3. Which act bans hunting of wild animals in India? The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Q4. What are the exceptions to the ban on hunting in India? Under Sections 11 and 12, hunting may be permitted for safety, disease control, or scientific purposes.
Q5. What are the punishments for hunting animals in India? 3–7 years imprisonment and fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹25,000.
Q6. Who can permit hunting in India? Only the Chief Wildlife Warden can issue written permission.
Q7. Is killing an animal in self-defense legal in India? Yes, killing in genuine self-defense to protect human life is not an offence under Section 11(2).
Q8. What is the Wildlife Protection Act 1972? It’s the primary legislation protecting India’s wildlife, forests, and endangered species.
✍️ Authored by Law ki Baat
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