JAIPUR (Sunday, March 29, 2026) — The Rajasthan High Court has issued a significant interim order prohibiting night safaris and the use of drones within the Jawai Leopard Reserve in Pali district. Citing grave concerns over “unregulated tourism” and its impact on the local ecosystem, the court has restricted all wildlife-spotting activities to a strict window between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM, mirroring the standards followed at Ranthambore National Park.
The Ruling: “Ecological Equilibrium” Under Threat
The division bench, comprising Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sandeep Shah, noted that while Jawai is globally recognized for the unique coexistence of the Rabari community and Indian leopards, this balance is being “imperilled” by commercial exploitation.
- Directive on Night Safaris: The court explicitly banned any safari or activity to locate wildlife beyond the 6 AM–7 PM window.
- Drone & Spotlight Ban: Any individual or operator found using drones, searchlights, spotlights, or high-intensity torches to track leopards—especially near their caves—must be immediately restrained.
- Legal Mandate: The bench invoked Article 48A of the Constitution, stating that the protection of wildlife is an essential obligation linked to the Right to Life (Article 21).
The Case: Apoorva Agrawat vs. State of Rajasthan
The order came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Pali resident Apoorva Agrawat.
| Argument | Detail |
| Stress to Wildlife | Drones and spotlights directed at leopard caves during dusk cause severe stress and disrupt natural hunting patterns. |
| Regulatory Vacuum | Despite its ecological importance, Jawai currently lacks the formal protective framework of a National Park or Sanctuary, leading to a “regulatory gap.” |
| Tourism Misconduct | The petitioner alleged rampant violations of ecological norms by local hospitality personnel and safari operators. |
[Image: Map of the Jawai Bandh region in Pali, Rajasthan, showing the proximity of human settlements to the granite hills inhabited by leopards]
Enforcement and Next Steps
The court has directed the Rajasthan state government to take prompt “penal and administrative” action against violators, including safari vehicle operators and hotel staff.
- Reporting Misconduct: Any interference with wildlife must be reported immediately and dealt with “expeditiously in accordance with law.”
- State Reply: The Rajasthan government and other respondents are required to file their formal responses before the next hearing.
- Future Measures: The bench indicated it will contemplate additional protective measures on the next date of hearing, scheduled for April 20, 2026.
Sources
- Live Law: “Rajasthan High Court Cracks Down On Unregulated Jawai Tourism; Bans Night Safaris, Use Of Drones” (March 28, 2026).
- The Indian Express: “No more night safaris: Why Rajasthan HC just banned drones and spotlights in Jawai Leopard Reserve” (March 28, 2026).
- The Times of India: “HC bans night safari at Jawai leopard reserve” (March 27, 2026).
- The Economic Times: “Rajasthan HC prohibits night safaris, drone usage in Jawai Leopard Reserve” (March 29, 2026).
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