CHIEF FOREST CONSERVATOR(WILD LIFE)&ORS. vs NISAR KHAN

The Supreme Court upheld the Allahabad High Court's decision allowing the respondent to carry on business as a dealer in birds specified in Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The Court clarified that the amendment to Section 9 of the Act, which includes 'trapping' under 'hunting', does not prohibit the granting of a license for dealing in birds bred in captivity. The Court directed the appellants to grant the necessary license to the respondent within three months of a proper application being made, thus reinforcing the legal principle that business in captive birds is permissible under the Act if conducted lawfully.