Why did the Bombay High Court initiate a PIL regarding tiger deaths in Maharashtra?

The Bombay High Court initiated a suo motu PIL to address the alarming and rising number of tiger deaths in Maharashtra, prompted by recent reports of fatalities.

What are the suspected causes of the recent tiger deaths in Maharashtra?

Recent tiger deaths in Maharashtra are suspected to be caused by electrocution from illegal electric fencing around farms and by road accidents, indicating a worsening human-wildlife conflict.

When will the Bombay High Court further hear the case on tiger deaths?

The Bombay High Court has posted the matter for further hearing on March 18, 2026, to examine the systemic issues related to wildlife protection and tiger fatalities.

Home / Environment / Court Probes Alarming Tiger Deaths in Maharashtra

Court Probes Alarming Tiger Deaths in Maharashtra

24 Jan

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Summary

Bombay High Court took suo motu notice of rising tiger deaths in Maharashtra.
Tiger deaths by electrocution and suspected road accidents are a major concern.
The court aims to examine systemic failures in wildlife protection and investigations.

Court Probes Alarming Tiger Deaths in Maharashtra

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has registered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to investigate a disturbing rise in tiger deaths within Maharashtra. The court's intervention, initiated on January 24, 2026, follows reports of multiple tiger fatalities, including four between December 31, 2025, and January 11, 2026, in the Vidarbha region. Officials are particularly concerned about deaths resulting from electrocution via illegally erected fences and suspected road accidents.

Justices Anil Kilor and Raj D Wakode have appointed advocate Chaitanya Dhruv as amicus curiae to argue the PIL. The court seeks to understand systemic failures in wildlife protection, investigation protocols, and accountability for these deaths. This judicial scrutiny comes as Maharashtra, which has a tiger population of 444, ranks second nationally in tiger fatalities after Madhya Pradesh.