The President has
given his assent to the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment) Bill,
2002. With this, the Bill, passed during the Winter Session of
Parliament ending December 20, 2002, has been notified in the
Gazette of India as Act No. 16 of the year 2003.
The Wild Life (Protection)
Amendment Act, 2003, which seeks to amend the Wild Life (Protection)
Act, 1972, provides for the protection of wild animals, birds
and plants to ensure the ecological and environmental security
of India. It also seeks to constitute within three months from
the date of commencement of the amendment Act, 2003, a National
Board for Wild Life to be headed by the Prime Minister and manned
by the Minister-in-Charge for Forests and Wildlife and 25 other
Members to oversee protection of ecological balance in the country.
At the State level, there will be similar body to be known as
the State Board for Wildlife to be headed by the Chief Minister
to oversee the measures for protection and ensuring environmental
security. It also envisages a non-bailable offence for violation
of this Act besides providing for forfeiture of property derived
from illegal hunting and trade, prohibition of holding illegally
acquired property, assistance to the Administrator under this
Act by police, State Forest Departments, Central Economic Intelligence
Bureau, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and such other officials
as specified by the State Government in this behalf by notification
in the Gazette, appeal from orders of the Administrator or competent
authority to the Appellate Tribunal with stipulation that finding
of any authority under any other Law not to be conclusive for
any proceedings under this Act. It also provides for a deterrent
punishment with imprisonment for a term extendable to five years
and with fine upto Rs. 50,000 for acquiring property in violation
of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2003.
The amended Act will
come into force from a date to be notified by the Government in
the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Different dates will
be appointed for different provisions of the Act, which will be
notified by the Government from time to time.
