HC issues oral order for immediate shutdown of illegal Lakadganj animal market

Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court on Friday issued a strict oral reprimand, ordering the forest department to undertake an immediate and permanent closure of the illegal bird and animal market currently operational in Lakadganj. This comes after a writ petition was filed by petitioner Charanjeet Singh Renu on the open violation of wildlife laws.A divisional bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Rajesh Wakode on Friday reprimanded all nine Respondent authorities — including the Deputy Conservator of Forests, the Chief Wildlife Warden, the Municipal Commissioner, and the Commissioner of Police — for their failure to enforce animal and wildlife protection laws. The court issued a strict order mandating the immediate and permanent closure of the illegal bird and animal market in Lakadganj. The court in its order have given the respondents a deadline of February 2 to submit their response in the matter. The petition, represented by counsel Ajay Maheshwari, along with a prior complaint dated September 24, 2025, exposed disturbing facts about the Sunday market. Protected bird species, along with rabbits, cats, dogs and exotic animals, are allegedly being sold openly in extremely cruel and unhygienic conditions. The petition states that animals are crammed into rickety carriages, overcrowded cages, and even stuffed into carton boxes, often without adequate food, water or medical care, amounting to "unnecessary pain and suffering" prohibited under Sections 3 and 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. Rabbits and pigeons were reportedly kept with their legs tied, restricting free movement.The petition further highlights blatant violations of multiple statutes. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, trade in protected species, as well as trapping, caging or capturing wildlife — acts that constitute ‘hunting' under Section 9 — are cognisable and non-bailable offences. Possession of such wildlife without a valid permit is prohibited under Section 40 of the Act. . The sale of animals is reportedly conducted from roadside shanties, cycles and handcarts instead of permanent structures equipped with basic facilities such as water, electricity and veterinary care, as mandated under Rules 6 and 7.The court observed that despite the petitioner submitting a detailed complaint supported by photographic and videographic evidence to the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagpur, and other senior authorities on September 24, 2025, followed by repeated reminders, no meaningful or permanent action was taken. The illegal market continued to operate unabated and even advertised its activities and contact details through video posts on YouTube, demonstrating brazen defiance of the law and a clear dereliction of statutory duties.