Where would we be without the sagacity of our Supreme Court judges who must rule on a bewildering array of issues, ranging from capital punishment to preserving wildlife? The inevitability of all disputes lingering until the Supreme Court takes a call seems almost inevitable in our fractious existence.
The relocation of some Asiatic lions from the forests of Gir in Gujarat to Kuno in Madhya Pradesh is the latest case of the court being dragged into every aspect of our nation’s life. Once again the judges have exhibited their wisdom by directing that preserving the Asiatic lion is far more important than Gujarat monopolising the credit for keeping the majestic sub-species alive.
We must thank the Nawab of Junagadh for upholding the nation’ pride by keeping a pride of Gir lions going in tough times when shooting lions was a pastime for one and all who could pick up guns from the 19th century onwards. Vast swathes of Asia extinguished the lion in a brand of cruelty only man is capable of, Iran being the most culpable in butchering the king of the (dry) forests.
It’s the vulnerability of a single sub-species to epidemics or forest fires that had to be guarded against. Expert opinion suggested a way to try and beat the ill-effects of inbreeding by translocation despite Madhya Pradesh’s poor record in tiger conservation. But we can’t let a big cat die just for the exclusivity of Gir lions. A greater national effort is needed to keep up the pride.