Supreme Court Orders Audit of Hauz Khas Deer Park, Flags Violations During Shifting of 261 Deer to Rajasthan

The article reports that the Supreme Court of India (SC) has directed an independent, scientific audit of the translocation of 261 deer from the deer-park at Hauz Khas, Delhi, to wildlife reserves in Rajasthan. The Court found prima facie evidence of mismanagement, repeated regulatory warnings, and serious procedural lapses — including lack of tagging/micro-chipping, inadequate veterinary care, possible release of captive-bred deer into predator reserves, and absence of post-release monitoring. (Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news) The bench appointed the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) under environmental statutes to conduct a detailed on-ground survey: assess deer population, carrying capacity, welfare, and suitability of release sites, and to prepare a roadmap for any future translocation with scientific safeguards. Until the report is submitted, no further deer may be moved; the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is also barred from using the park for commercial/private events. The ruling underscores judicial oversight on environmental governance, wildlife welfare, and regulatory compliance by public bodies.