SWETAB KUMAR vs MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

The Supreme Court clarified that the filing of a declaration under the 2020 notification does not prevent the authorities from taking action under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022. The Court emphasized that the amendment allows for prosecution, seizure, and confiscation of declared inventory despite prior declarations. The case involved challenges to the 2020 advisory on import and declaration of exotic species, which was upheld by High Courts, and the Court's order clarified the scope of enforcement post-amendment.