A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf issued notices to all respondents and fixed February 11 as the next date of hearing. The court observed that Madhya Pradesh, which has projected itself as the “Tiger State,” must explain why tigers are dying in such large numbers despite extensive conservation frameworks.

The petition, filed by Bhopal-based wildlife activist Ajay Dubey, claims that 54 tigers died in Madhya Pradesh in 2025, the highest annual toll recorded since the launch of Project Tiger in 1973. According to the plea, this figure surpasses deaths reported in previous years—34 in 2021, 43 in 2022, 45 in 2023 and 46 in 2024—indicating a worrying upward trend.

Dubey pointed out that India is home to 3,167 tigers out of a global population of 5,421, with Madhya Pradesh alone accounting for 785 tigers, the highest in the country. The petition argues that the rising population numbers conceal a grim reality of poaching, electrocution, train accidents and unexplained deaths.

Senior advocate Aditya Sanghi, appearing for the petitioner, drew the court’s attention to alleged international smuggling networks. He referred to the recent arrest of Yangchen Lachungpa, an international wildlife trafficker wanted under an Interpol Red Corner Notice, who reportedly revealed that tiger body parts sourced from India were being smuggled to Nepal and China.

The petition also raised concerns over wildlife deaths caused by railway lines cutting through forest areas. In Ratapani Tiger Reserve, nine tigers and 10 leopards were reportedly killed by trains in a single year along the Budhani–Midghat railway line, now being described as a “death track.” The plea sought directions for the construction of underbridges and safe wildlife passages beneath railway tracks.

Specific concern was expressed over Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, which allegedly recorded 57 per cent unnatural tiger deaths, including cases of suspected poaching and electrocution. A recent tiger carcass found near power lines in Umaria district was cited as an example.

The petition further noted that while forest and railway authorities continue to shift blame, senior forest officials have acknowledged deaths due to electrocution, road and rail accidents, and administrative lapses. With notices issued, the High Court is expected to examine accountability and conservation measures in detail at the next hearing.