Supreme Court Questions State’s Intent in Corruption Probe
Corbett Tiger ReserveThe Supreme Court of India has once again taken a stern view of the Uttarakhand government’s handling of corruption allegations related to the Corbett Tiger Reserve. On Monday, the apex court criticized the state for refusing to grant sanction for prosecution against Rahul, the former director of the reserve, in connection with large-scale illegalities, including unauthorized tree felling and construction within the protected area.
The court made it clear that the state’s decision appeared to be an attempt to shield the officer despite strong findings against him. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Bhushan R. Gavai, issued a strong warning: if the state failed to explain its decision by September 17, the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand would be summoned to appear in person before the court.
Background of the Case
The controversy dates back to the alleged illegal felling of trees and construction activities within Corbett Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. In March 2024, the Supreme Court had ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter after reports emerged of massive ecological damage inside the reserve.
The CBI investigation revealed large-scale violations, including the cutting of over 3,000 trees for the controversial Pakhro Tiger Safari project and unauthorized tourist accommodations. These activities were reportedly carried out without the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
A total of eight officials were named in the CBI’s chargesheet, including then-director Rahul, divisional forest officers (DFOs) Akhilesh Tiwari and Kishan Chand, and several lower-ranking forest staff.
The State’s Controversial Decision
While the Uttarakhand government granted sanction to prosecute DFOs Tiwari and Chand last month, it refused to grant the same for former director Rahul. On August 4, the state formally conveyed to the CBI that, after consulting its Legal Department, there was “no basis” for prosecution against him.
This move sparked outrage in the Supreme Court. “It is clear you are trying to protect this officer,” remarked CJI Gavai, making it clear that shielding corrupt officials would not be tolerated.
The bench, which also included Justices K. Vinod Chandran and A.S. Chandurkar, added, “If somebody is trying to shield him, we will not be shy in getting your highest person to this court.”
Posting at Rajaji Tiger Reserve Raises Eyebrows
Adding to the controversy, Rahul was briefly posted as Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve in September last year, even while facing investigation over his role at Corbett. This appointment, made despite objections from the state forest minister and chief secretary, was reportedly approved by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
The Supreme Court was quick to intervene, forcing the state to cancel Rahul’s appointment at Rajaji. “Heads of state cannot become like kings. We are not in a feudal era,” the bench observed at the time, reminding political leaders of their accountability in protecting India’s natural heritage.
Delayed Disciplinary Proceedings
The court also expressed displeasure at the slow pace of disciplinary proceedings against Rahul. Despite a Supreme Court order in March 2025 directing that an internal enquiry be completed within three months, the process was still pending.
An affidavit filed by the state showed that a new charge sheet was issued against Rahul on July 2, 2025, under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. This followed CBI findings of financial irregularities during his tenure at Corbett Tiger Reserve. Rahul responded to the charge sheet on August 11, but the matter is still “under consideration,” according to the state.
Names in the CBI Chargesheet
The CBI chargesheet included not only senior officers but also field staff who allegedly participated in or enabled the illegal activities. Those named include:
- Rahul – Former Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve
- Akhilesh Tiwari – Divisional Forest Officer
- Kishan Chand – Divisional Forest Officer
- Brij Bihari Sharma – Then Forest Range Officer, Sonanadi & Pakhro Range
- Mathura Singh Mavdi – Then Deputy Ranger, Pakhro Range
- Surendra Singh – Forester/Van Daroga, Pakhro Range
- Sandeep Arya – Forest Guard, Sonanadi Range
- Rajesh Rawat – Wireless Operator (daily wages), Pakhro Range
These officials face charges of criminal conspiracy, forgery, breach of trust, and corruption, in addition to violations under the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, and the Forest Conservation Act.
Expert Findings: More Trees Felled Than Permitted
The scale of destruction at Corbett Tiger Reserve came to light after the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), an expert body assisting the Supreme Court, conducted its own review.
Initially, the state government had sought permission from MoEFCC to fell only 163 trees for the 106-hectare Tiger Safari project. However, a report by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) in October 2022 revealed that at least 2,651 trees were illegally felled within the safari area. An additional 534 trees were cut to build tourist lodges, water bodies, and other unauthorized facilities.
This revelation shocked conservationists and reinforced allegations that large-scale illegal activities had taken place under the watch of senior forest officials.
Court’s Warning to Uttarakhand Government
The Supreme Court’s observations carry significant weight. By openly warning the state government against protecting tainted officials, the bench has signaled its intent to ensure accountability in managing one of India’s most important tiger reserves.
The court stressed that corruption and negligence in Corbett Tiger Reserve could not be taken lightly, especially since the area plays a crucial role in India’s tiger conservation efforts. Any attempt to shield officers accused of wrongdoing would be viewed as an assault on both the rule of law and the nation’s natural heritage.
Importance of Corbett Tiger Reserve
Located in Uttarakhand, Corbett Tiger Reserve is India’s oldest national park, established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It is part of the larger Corbett landscape that supports a healthy population of tigers, leopards, elephants, and several endangered species.
The reserve attracts thousands of tourists annually and holds global significance as a tiger conservation success story. However, the ongoing controversy threatens to overshadow its achievements and raises concerns about governance and transparency in India’s protected areas.
Conservation vs. Tourism Pressure
The case also highlights a larger debate about balancing wildlife conservation with tourism development. Projects like the Pakhro Tiger Safari were initially proposed to promote eco-tourism, but poor planning and lack of approvals turned them into controversial ventures.
Experts warn that while tourism can generate revenue and awareness, unchecked commercial activity can damage fragile ecosystems. The illegal felling of thousands of trees in Corbett Tiger Reserve is a stark reminder of the risks when conservation takes a backseat to profit-driven interests.
Way Forward
The Supreme Court’s firm stand may serve as a turning point in ensuring greater accountability in forest governance. The following steps are expected in the coming weeks:
- Uttarakhand Government’s Response – The state must explain by September 17 why sanction for prosecution was denied to the former director.
- CBI’s Continued Probe – The agency is likely to pursue criminal proceedings under IPC and Prevention of Corruption Act provisions.
- Disciplinary Action – Pending enquiries and charge sheets must be finalized against senior officers.
- Policy Reforms – The controversy could trigger stricter guidelines for eco-tourism projects inside protected areas.
Also read: The Ebony Project: How African Elephant Extinction Could Change the Future of Music
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s intervention has once again brought national attention to the challenges facing India’s protected forests. Corbett Tiger Reserve, a symbol of India’s conservation legacy, now finds itself at the center of a legal and ethical battle.
As the apex court reminded the Uttarakhand government, shielding corrupt officials is not only an attack on the law but also a betrayal of the duty to safeguard India’s wildlife. The outcome of this case will not only decide the fate of a few officials but also set the tone for how seriously India treats accountability in managing its natural heritage.
If the state complies with the Supreme Court’s warnings, the case could mark a step toward greater transparency and stronger protection of Corbett Tiger Reserve. But if political shielding continues, the damage may extend far beyond the felling of trees — eroding trust in the system meant to protect India’s forests and wildlife for generations to come.
