The Supreme Court on Monday, August 17, 2026, directed the Union Government to conduct a fresh nationwide survey of elephant corridors and report on measures being taken by States to keep these routes free from obstruction.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was hearing proceedings connected with Prerna Singh Bindra v. Union of India concerning human-elephant conflict and the protection of elephant movement corridors.
Court Raises Concern Over Blocked Corridors
During the hearing, the Bench considered concerns about different methods being used to prevent elephants from entering human settlements and agricultural areas. The submissions included allegations concerning fireballs, burning torches and groups locally involved in driving elephant herds away.
The Court made it clear that crop damage or fear among villagers could not by itself justify blocking an elephant corridor.
“We are very clear that there cannot be obstacles in the way of wildlife,” Chief Justice Surya Kant observed.
The Bench also noted that elephant corridors are not confined to the boundaries of a single State. Justice Bagchi pointed out that elephants travel across State borders, questioning how one State could obstruct such routes by constructing walls or putting up barbed wire.
Supreme Court Seeks Fresh Nationwide Survey
The Bench asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to undertake a fresh survey covering elephant corridors across the country.
The report is to provide details of the steps taken by States to comply with existing guidelines and prevent obstruction of elephant movement. The Court also directed that the report address measures concerning the use of firearms and other coercive methods against elephants.
The CJI stressed that problems such as crop damage and apprehension among villagers require appropriate solutions, but blocking an elephant corridor cannot be treated as such a solution.
“No blockade in the elephant corridors is acceptable,” the Bench said.
Decision
The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to conduct the nationwide survey and file a comprehensive status report on elephant corridors and measures adopted to prevent their obstruction.
The matter was directed to be listed again after six weeks.
Case Details
Case Title: Prerna Singh Bindra & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.
Case Number: W.P.(C) No. 489/2018
Judge: Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana
Decision Date: August 17, 2026
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