This time, however, the focus has shifted to wildlife articles. The proposal allowed legal owners of wildlife articles to surrender them to the department. However, according to the Forest Department, most people, due to ignorance, submit their applications after the legal deadline. A plain reading of the Act makes it clear that only legally owned or legally inherited wildlife articles are eligible for declaration and certification. Wildlife trophies obtained unlawfully constitute a punishable offence under the Act.

Source: The Hindu February 09, 2026 22:03 UTC