What Steps Will the Allahabad HC Take Against the Monkey Menace?
Synopsis
The Allahabad High Court has ordered the Uttar Pradesh government to promptly address the monkey menace, emphasizing the need for a detailed action plan within four weeks. This directive highlights urgent concerns about rising man-monkey conflicts and the welfare of the animals involved.
Key Takeaways
Allahabad HC mandates action on monkey issue.
Four-week deadline for Uttar Pradesh government .
PIL addresses man-monkey conflicts and welfare.
Consultation with Animal Welfare Board required.
Urgent need for wildlife management solutions.
New Delhi/Prayagraj, Nov 3 (NationPress) The Allahabad High Court has instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to prioritize the escalating monkey issue throughout the state and devise a comprehensive action plan within a span of four weeks.
A Bench consisting of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra made this ruling during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that drew attention to the rising incidents of conflicts between humans and monkeys, along with the issues of starvation and habitat loss affecting these primates across Uttar Pradesh.
In their ruling, the CJ Bhansali-led Bench acknowledged that a counter affidavit had been submitted on behalf of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and instructed it to be entered into the record.
The state government communicated to the Allahabad HC that an initial meeting had been convened with officials from the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department, seeking an extension of two months due to the need for a policy decision involving multiple departments.
However, dismissing the request for additional time, the CJ Bhansali-led Bench remarked, “While a two-month timeframe has been requested, it appears to be excessively long. The respondents must prioritize this issue, therefore, a period of four weeks is granted to fulfill the necessary actions.”
Attorneys Akash Vashishtha and Pawan Kumar Tiwari, representing the petitioners, presented a Tentative Action Plan to the Allahabad High Court, which directed the state government to take it into account when formulating its own strategy.
Additionally, it mandated that the state government consult with the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Uttar Pradesh State Animal Welfare Board “while making a decision on this matter.”
The petitioners have called for immediate action from the state to manage the rising monkey population, relocate them to forested areas, ensure food provisions, and establish a 24x7 grievance helpline.
Previously, the Allahabad High Court had voiced concerns regarding the “chaos caused by the monkey issue” and the “inaction demonstrated by various departments, passing the responsibility from one to another.” The case is set for another hearing on December 3.
Point of View
The Allahabad High Court's directive is a significant step towards addressing an urgent public safety issue while also considering animal welfare. The court's insistence on a timely response reflects a balanced approach to managing the concerns of local communities alongside ecological responsibilities.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline given by the Allahabad HC for the action plan?
The Allahabad High Court has set a deadline of four weeks for the Uttar Pradesh government to prepare the action plan to address the monkey menace.
What issues are being highlighted in the PIL?
The PIL highlights increasing incidents of man-monkey conflict, starvation, and habitat loss faced by monkeys across Uttar Pradesh.
Who filed a counter affidavit in the case?
A counter affidavit was filed on behalf of the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI).
What actions have the petitioners requested?
The petitioners have requested state action to manage the monkey population, including relocation to forests, food provisions, and a 24x7 grievance helpline.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing of the case is scheduled for December 3.
