Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary boundary dispute: Supreme Court asks activist to pursue challenge to revised map before Rajasthan High Court

The Supreme Court on 3 November refused to rule on a challenge to the revised boundaries of Rajasthan’s Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary, directing activist Rajendra Tiwari to raise his objections before the Rajasthan High Court, where the map is already contested. The bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana noted that “the controversy surrounding the identification and demarcation of the sanctuary’s actual boundaries must first be adjudicated by the High Court.” The dispute stems from National Green Tribunal proceedings over the inclusion of the revenue area of village Nahargarh in the protected zone, which the Forest Department altered without the National Board for Wildlife’s approval, according to Tiwari’s claim. The Supreme Court observed that the High Court’s pending case will determine any illegality and bind all parties, including government authorities, once its decision becomes final. Tiwari may now pursue all remaining objections in the High Court.