Tribal Man Moves HC to Perform Customary Worship Inside STR, Pg5

Legal Challenge Over Worship Rights in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

• Munda tribal member, Nandi Ho, moved Orissa HC after being denied permission for customary worship inside Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).
• Challenge against Tiger Supplementation Programme, citing that it ignored local consent.

Tiger Conservation vs. Tribal Rights

• Zeenat, a tigress from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, translocated to STR for genetic diversity enhancement.
• Jamunagarh villagers traditionally worshipped inside STR but were denied access after the translocation.
• Legal plea argues violation of Forest Rights Act, 2006, which guarantees tribal communities' rights to practice religious traditions in sacred groves.

Petitioners' Arguments

• Translocation was conducted without consulting local people, violating protocols & tribal rights.
• Authorities arbitrarily denied worship rights despite earlier informal permissions.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Balancing tiger conservation with indigenous rights is crucial.
• Forest Rights Act, 2006, ensures tribal participation in conservation decisions.
• Authorities must establish participatory mechanisms that allow conservation while respecting customary religious practices.
• Court’s decision could set a precedent for tribal rights in protected areas.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the conflict between wildlife conservation and tribal rights in protected areas. Suggest a balanced approach to ensure both biodiversity conservation and indigenous rights."