The Karnataka High Court has taken strong suo motu action to address the repeated deaths of elephants due to electrocution across the state. In a recent judgment dated April 26, 2025, a division bench led by Chief Justice N. V. Anjaria and Justice M. I. Arun issued detailed directions to both the Central and State forest authorities, demanding immediate and long-term measures to safeguard elephant lives.
The case originated from a tragic incident where an elephant named Ashwathamma died due to electrocution in Mysuru on June 11, 2024. This prompted the court to act on a report published in the Bangalore Mirror, highlighting a disturbing pattern of elephant deaths caused by contact with illegal electric fences and sagging power lines.
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Despite being a figure of traditional, cultural reverence, today the elephant species is severely threatened in India. The crux of the problem is one that affects all wildlife in the country: land, noted the court, echoing the concerns raised by the Supreme Court.
According to official data, between January 2021 and June 2024, Karnataka recorded 35 elephant deaths due to electrocution. The trend continued in 2023-2025, with 13 elephants dying in 2023-24 and 12 in 2024-25—most due to illegal electric fences and poorly maintained power lines.
Ensuring that the elephants are kept away from the risk of electrocution is in the hands of the Forest Department, the bench emphasized, urging authorities to act with urgency.
The judgment draws on extensive affidavits submitted by both the Union of India and the Karnataka government. These reveal that Karnataka, home to the highest number of free-ranging Asian elephants in India, faces significant challenges from human-elephant conflict due to encroachment, habitat fragmentation, and increasing urbanization.
Among the key concerns raised was the frequent use of illegal electric fencing by farmers near forest fringes. Many farmers connect live wires to protect crops, which tragically results in fatal incidents when elephants come into contact with these fences. Sagging transmission lines, often found in hilly terrain due to inadequate maintenance, further exacerbate the risk.
The court stressed that “unauthorised illegal fences should be replaced by scientific and protective barricades,” and called for immediate mapping of high-risk zones.
To mitigate such incidents, the court ordered the implementation of several technical and administrative measures, including:
“The underground cabling in the eco-sensitive zones should be promoted.”
“Radio collaring to the animals is one of the method to keep track of the movements of the animals including the elephants.”
“Advanced surveillance systems like CCTV with AI should be expanded across wildlife zones.”
Other directions include the formation of area-wise investigation committees, enforcement of wildlife protection laws, regular patrols, and awareness drives in villages. The forest department was also tasked with monitoring and coordinating with the energy department to maintain proper line heights and eliminate dangerous fencing practices.
In highlighting the larger ecological importance of elephants, the court cited data from forest authorities indicating that Karnataka has over 6,395 elephants, a steady increase from 5,740 in 2010. Elephants play a vital role in maintaining the forest ecosystem, helping in seed dispersal and creating natural pathways to water sources.
The court also acknowledged long-standing concerns regarding solar fencing. While considered cost-effective, unregulated installations have been fatal. It directed the state to follow the Ministry of Environment and Forest’s 2009 directive banning lethal solar fencing and emphasized that any death due to such fencing must be prosecuted under wildlife laws.
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Finally, the bench reiterated the constitutional duty under Articles 21, 48A, and 51A(g) to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats. It called for full compliance with Supreme Court judgments, particularly in matters related to elephant corridors and minimizing human-wildlife conflict.
“All directions issued by the Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding conservation of wildlife including elephants shall be complied for the purpose of their proper and effective implementation,” the High Court concluded.
Senior Advocate Puttige R. Ramesh, acting as Amicus Curiae, was lauded for his contribution, with the court recording its appreciation and awarding a remuneration of Rs. 50,000 to be paid by the State.
ASG Arvind Kamath a/w DSGI H Shanthi Bhushan
AAG Kiran V Ron a/w AGA Niloufer Akbar FOR R-2 TO R-5 & R-12.
Advocate H V Devaraja for R6.
Advocate Prashant T Pandit for R11.
Case Title: High Court Of Karnataka AND The Union of India & Others
Case No: WRIT PETITION NO. 16219 OF 2024
