MP High Court Grants Anticipatory Bail To Man Accused Of Hunting, Storing Body Parts Of Wild Animals
The Madhya Pradesh High Court, on Tuesday (November 4), granted anticipatory bail to a man booked in an FIR for allegedly hunting and keeping the body parts of wild animals–including a peacock and a hare, without valid permission or documentation.
The bench of Justice Milind Ramesh Phadke directed;
"Considering the overall facts and circumstances of the case, as well as the fact that the material placed on record does not disclose the possibility of the applicant fleeing from justice, this Court is inclined to extend the benefit of anticipatory bail to the applicant. Accordingly, this Court, without commenting on the merits of the case, is of the opinion that the applicant deserves to be extended the benefit of anticipatory bail. Accordingly, this application is allowed".
According to the prosecution, on September 12, 2025, members of a community located in Forest Range Sevda had allegedly hunted a peacock and a hare and stored their body parts without valid authorisation. Based on this information, an FIR under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act was filed against the accused.
Counsel for the accused argued that there is no direct or cogent evidence connecting him to the allegation of illegal hunting or possession of body parts of wild animals.
It was argued that the alleged recovery as shown by prosecution was made from an open and accessible area which was not under the accused's exclusive control. It was further claimed that no independent witness was present during the recovery process.
Additionally, the counsel argued that the State failed to produce any forensic or expert evidence to establish that the seized articles were indeed parts of wild animals as alleged.
Public Prosecutor of the State opposed the application, emphasizing the gravity of the offence.
The court, considering the facts and circumstances of the case, granted anticipatory bail to the accused upon furnishing a personal bond in the sum of ₹50,000.
Case Title: Virju v State [MCRC-50364-2025]
For Applicant: Advocate Satendra Kumar Shrivastava
For State: Public Prosecutor Samar Ghuraiya