Regional Deputy Director vs Zavaray S. Poonawala & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of importing a stuffed leopard trophy under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and CITES. The Court held that the leopard is a protected species under Schedule I of the Act, necessitating specific permissions for import. It found that the High Court's ruling, which allowed the import based on purported permissions, was erroneous as CITES had not granted the necessary clearance, thus upholding the need for compliance with both national and international regulations regarding endangered species.