While hearing a PIL filed by Maa Ganga Pukka Mahal Trust, The Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Munishwar Nath Bhandari and Justice Anil Kumar Ojha of Allahabad High Court passed the order of shifting monkeys causing upheaval in Varanasi to a suitable forest within three months.
As per the Writ Petition monkeys have been creating menace in the whole city, affecting all citizens and tourists of Varanasi. The Standing Counsel submitted that Forest Department has already been asked via a letter in July 2021 to shift monkeys in the forest as per the provisions of law.
Looking at the facts given by the Standing Counsel, the Court found that action has already been initiated by the District Forest Officer to take permission of the Chief Conservator of Forest for shifting of monkeys from the city of Varanasi to the jungle. The Bench directed the Chief Conservator that “The shifting of monkeys however, should be strictly as per the provisions of law. Proper care should be taken so that the monkeys are not in any way adversely affected in carrying the operation.” The plea was disposed with directions that shifting of monkeys should be in an area with vegetation so that there is no threat regarding survival of the monkeys and that action should be taken at the earliest, and in any case not later than a period of three months.