Case Explained: Chhattisgarh forest department’s ‘social boycott’ plan to curb wildlife crime sparks legal and human rights debate – Legal Perspective

RAIPUR: In a controversial move, the Chhattisgarh Forest Department has directed officials to use ‘social ostracisation’ as a frontline strategy to curb wildlife offences across the state.

Internal documents from a high-level review meeting, accessed by this newspaper, reveal a directive issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey. The order signals a shift in approach, extending beyond conventional legal prosecution to include social isolation as a deterrent.

The decision has ignited debate over legal ethics and human rights. Forest authorities have reportedly been instructed to ‘weaponise’ social boycott as a means of dismantling poaching networks operating within the state.

Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) have been asked to collaborate with village mukhiyas, religious leaders, local organisations and social influencers to socially exclude individuals caught setting traps or engaging in wildlife crimes. The department believes the initiative will deter illegal hunting and strengthen the protection of forest areas.

However, the directive has drawn significant legal scrutiny. “Social ostracisation is an inhuman practice. Disconnecting an individual from their community amounts to endorsing a form of ‘civil death’ and bypasses the judiciary. Punishment must be administered by law, not through state-sponsored mob action that strips a person of their basic social existence,” said Dr Dinesh Mishra, an ophthalmologist who campaigns against the practice of social boycott.