SC directs fact-finding inquiry into missing files in tiger reserve hearings

Panaji: The Supreme Court has directed its secretary general to hold a fact-finding inquiry into missing records of proceedings in the paper books regarding the tiger reserve hearings and submit a report to the Chief Justice of India on the administrative side.

When the petition came up for hearing on Thursday, the court observed, “It appears that a common practice has emerged among registry officials whereby relevant records of proceedings are found missing from the paper books. We apprehend that such actions are being done deliberately”.


“For instance, in the case at hand, the order dated Sep 8, 2025, which notes the desired future course of action, is conspicuously missing from the paper books,” stated the bench of CJI Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi.

The court is hearing a petition filed by Goa govt challenging the high court’s order, which directed the state to declare a tiger reserve for Goa. In its order on Sep 8, 2025, the apex court directed the state to maintain the status quo in respect of the areas directed to be notified as a tiger reserve by the high court.

In the same order, the apex court noted that it would be appropriate if the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) examined the issue and submitted a report before the court, and requested the CEC to examine the issue and submit a report within six weeks.

It granted two weeks thereafter to parties to file their responses to the CEC report. It added that the CEC will give a hearing to all stakeholders, including state govt and the Goa Foundation, the petitioner in the high court.