In a significant ruling on wildlife management, the Supreme Court has upheld the relocation of deer from Delhi’s A.N. Jha Deer Park, emphasizing scientific conservation over continued confinement in urban enclosures. The Court endorsed expert findings that the park cannot sustain the current deer population.
Background of the Case
The case arose from concerns over the large number of deer housed at A.N. Jha Deer Park in Hauz Khas. A petition challenged the decision to shift these animals to wildlife reserves in Rajasthan, arguing that sufficient land existed within Delhi to accommodate them.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had allowed the relocation process based on a policy decision of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), which proposed retaining a limited number of deer while transferring the rest to forest areas. That decision was later brought before the Supreme Court.
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To examine the issue, the Supreme Court directed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a detailed study. The Committee’s extensive report found that the park’s ecological capacity is limited and can sustainably support only about 38 deer.
It also noted that the park had lost its “mini zoo” recognition due to non-compliance with statutory norms and that the deer population had increased sharply due to lack of regulation.
The report emphasized that simply shifting deer within Delhi parks would not solve the underlying problem. Instead, it recommended carefully planned translocation to suitable wildlife habitats.
Agreeing with the expert findings, the bench observed that keeping a large number of deer in a restricted urban enclosure is neither legally sustainable nor ecologically appropriate.
“The continuance of the existing arrangement does not commend acceptance,” the Court noted, pointing to the lack of infrastructure and capacity to manage the growing population.
The Court also highlighted that wildlife species like deer should not remain confined unless absolutely necessary and justified by law and ecological needs.
On the relocation process, the Court acknowledged earlier shortcomings, noting that past transfers were not carried out in line with proper scientific protocols. It stressed the need for a structured and humane approach going forward.
The Supreme Court upheld the Delhi High Court’s decision and accepted the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee in full.
It directed authorities to proceed with the relocation of deer in a phased and time-bound manner under expert supervision, strictly following scientific guidelines.
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The Court allowed retention of up to 38 deer at A.N. Jha Deer Park, but only if the required approvals are obtained and proper infrastructure is developed. It also ordered that the area must continue to remain a protected forest.
Further, the Court directed the government to formalize comprehensive national guidelines on wildlife translocation within six months and submit a compliance report.
With these directions, the Court closed the matter.
Case Details
Case Title: New Delhi Nature Society v. Director Horticulture, DDA & Ors.
Case Number: Special Leave Petition (Civil) No(s). 13374–13375 of 2025
Court: Supreme Court of India
Judges: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Decision Date: April 27, 2026
