With reference to Indian laws about wildlife protection, consider the following statements : 1. Wild animals are the sole property of the government. 2. When a wild animal is declared protected, such animal is entitled for equal protection whether it is found in protected areas or outside. 3. Apprehension of a protected wild animal becoming a danger to human life is sufficient ground for its capture or killing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Why the answer is (b)
• Statement 1 is wrong: Section 39 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 makes Government property only of wild animals that are hunted, killed, found dead or kept in contravention of the Act — not of all wild animals.
• Statement 2 is correct: a scheduled species is protected wherever it is found, inside or outside protected areas.
• Statement 3 is wrong: under Section 11 the Chief Wildlife Warden may permit capture or killing only if satisfied that the animal has become dangerous to human life; mere apprehension is not enough.
• Hence 2 only, option (b) — the official UPSC answer.
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2
- Statement 1 is wrong: not all wild animals are Government property under Section 39.
- (c) 1 and 3
- Statements 1 and 3 are both wrong.
- (d) 3 only
- Mere apprehension of danger does not justify capture or killing.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2022, held on 5 June 2022. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.