All animals are equal, but some animals are more than others.
The above sentence is a quote from 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell. In fact, George Orwell mentioned it in the famous novel way back in 1944 explaining disparities that exist in society and for which there are instances every day.
Well, in case you are not aware of George Orwell's 'Animal Farm' and would like to know why all animals are equal but some are more equal than others, it can be roughly summed up like this: It is a proclamation by the pigs who control the government in the novel. The sentence is a comment on the hypocrisy of governments that proclaim the absolute equality of their citizens but give power and privileges to a small elite.
Tiger Nail Becomes Trending News: Karnataka boasts 563 tigers, the second highest in the country. Madhya Pradesh tops with 785 big cats according to the Status of Tigers, Co-predators and Prey in India 2022.
Perhaps, when all the tigers' of the state were enjoying life in the wild, all of a sudden they became a subject of trending news on the local TV channels. Thanks to the false notions of status symbols or good luck charms, the tiger's head, paws, skin, claws, teeth, eyes and other parts along with its meat are also sold in the black market. Tiger nail pendants worn by celebrities, politicians, and officials among others became a hot subject and trending news.
Duality in implementation exposed: Varthur Santosh, a contestant in the famed Big Boss TV show was literally dragged from the TV show, arrested and remanded in the Parappana Agrahara Central Jail for wearing a Tiger nail pendant. His sudden arrest for sporting a tiger nail pendant raised many eyebrows opening up a Pandora's box. Thanks to the social networking sites, the authorities of the Forest Department came under severe attack. Likewise, photos and videos of prominent celebrities, people in public life, and bureaucrats donning the tiger nail/s went viral. But none of them were issued notices, charge-sheeted or arrested immediately in undue haste like the way action was initiated in the case of Varthur Santosh.
Netizen posts compel notices: For a couple of days, the media was abuzz with developments related to the arrest of Varthur Santosh. It was only after the netizens became vocal against all others and more so the film actors and politicians, authorities in the Forest Department woke up from deep sleep. They then started issuing notices to all those found wearing tiger pendants and thereby exposed themselves to the duality of their approach, attitude and lopsided way of functioning.
What does the 1972 Forest Act say?: Joseph Hoover, President of the United Conservation Movement and former Member of the State Wildlife Board explains the significance of the 1972 Forest Act-"The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 prohibits keeping any wildlife-related products at home and wearing of the same in the form of bracelet, locket and pendant etc. It is candid and clear and anyone booked under this act is bound to go to jail. The person accused and found guilty of shooting a wild animal will be sentenced anywhere between three to seven years while those buying, keeping and wearing them in any form will also be penalized and sentenced. The law is very clear and applicable to all not distinguishing between small and big people".
Permission given prior to 1972, 2003 and 2006: Joseph Hoover also recalls the situation prior to 1972-"Prior to the enforcement of the act the Forest Department had given a notice of 30 days to all those in possession of wildlife products to declare them and get a permission letter. Many of them have intimated about the same, obtained permission letters and continue to retain them.
The government gave people the opportunity to surrender illegally kept wildlife in 2003 with a similar appeal to the public to inform the Department. It was again repeated in 2006 as well. Many people surrendered the products and many others renewed their permission letters.
However, as the remains of wildlife continue to wither after a period of time, some of them gave it to others. But, there is no provision in the act for transfer. They can be passed on to the next generation of the family but not to others".
Awareness about the protection of Forests: He is very happy at the awareness aroused among the people following the recent instances of people wearing the tiger pendant- "A majority of the people of the state are now keen on the protection of our forests and thereby the wildlife. Many people have been found trespassing in interior regions of the forests and poaching wildlife. If the Forest Department sincerely looks after the interest of forest watchers, who are the real saviours of our precious forest landscapes, not one but hundreds of Veerappans' can be traced".
Neither notices nor actions against staff: Joseph Hoover points out the lacunae within the Forest Department-"About two years back, in September 2021, I personally met a senior officer and brought to his notice an incident wherein an RFO had buried a tiger which succumbed to a death trap without even bringing it to the notice of anyone. Again in the same Moleyur range in Bandipur, a poacher kills a leopard and flees with the head and legs. Again the mortal remains are buried without informing anyone. The simple reason; for such shady deals will come to light if an investigation is conducted. Basavaraj Bommai during his tenure as the chief minister had directed to initiate action. Likewise, the present incumbent Siddaramaiah, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and the additional chief secretary have also written to take action. But forget action, even notices have not been served. You go to the extent of dragging Varthur Santosh from the studios of Big Boss, but why are you shying away from taking action against your own people".
Punishment for sure: He also blasts the Forest Department officials for being selective in the implementation of the law-"Varthur Santosh gets arrested, remanded to jail while celebrities like Jaggesh, Darshan, Nikhil Kumaraswamy and others get notices. Isn't this hypocrisy? Everyone is equal before the law. If so, why then different yardsticks for different people?...
...Once the genuinity of the tiger nail is proven there can be no way of escape. The offence is bound to lead to punishment. That's why Jaggesh, a Rajya Sabha MP who is a lawmaker is also a lawbreaker now. That's the reason he has already approached the court in anticipation of the trouble ahead. Even if he gets sentenced, he will be entitled to bail.
-Manohar Yadavatti
Well said and written.
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