Kerala High Court Rules State Liable For Wild Animal Attacks
· India · The Hindu, Indian Express
The Kerala High Court has ruled that the state government is legally responsible for compensating victims of wild animal attacks. Justice C.P. Mohammed Nias dismissed an appeal from the Forest department in Sulthan Bathery, which had challenged a ₹2 lakh compensation award for a family affected by an elephant attack. The court clarified that existing state rules for such payments are merely ex gratia schemes and do not limit a citizen's right to seek full compensation for loss of life or injury. The ruling followed findings that authorities failed to install necessary safety infrastructure, such as power fencing and trenches, along forest boundaries in Wayanad. The Forest department had argued that the victim was intoxicated and that the incident was not due to official negligence.
Why it matters
This ruling establishes a legal precedent that holds the state accountable for wildlife-related damages, potentially increasing compensation payouts for victims across Kerala.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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