The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the AN Jha Deer Park can continue to function as a “mini zoo” only with approval from the Central Zoo Authority and with a sharply reduced deer population capped at 38. The order clears the way for relocating the remaining animals to Rajasthan.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said the retention of deer would be subject to regulatory approvals, in line with recommendations from the Central Empowered Committee.
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Cap on deer population and park status
The court directed that the park must maintain an optimal sex ratio of 15 males to 23 females among the retained deer. It also instructed the Delhi Development Authority to upgrade infrastructure, logistics and trained manpower for proper management.
The bench emphasised that the 10-acre park should remain a "protected forest" and that its status must not be altered in the future.
Why relocation was ordered
The matter arose from a plea filed by the New Delhi Nature Society, which opposed shifting deer to Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve. So far, 260 deer have already been moved.
The CEC, tasked with inspecting the site, supported relocation, noting that the park does not have the capacity to sustain a larger population.
Carrying capacity and welfare concerns
The court accepted the committee’s findings that the park can "sustainably and humanely" accommodate only 38 spotted deer. As per norms, each pair of deer requires at least 1,500 square metres of space, and the available area allows for roughly 19 pairs.
The bench also highlighted welfare concerns, observing that deer should not be confined to restrictive enclosures except in limited and legally justified situations.
Guidelines and monitoring ahead
The court ordered that further relocation be carried out in a time-bound manner under CEC supervision, following protocols for capture, veterinary care, transport and monitoring.
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The committee also warned that deer raised in controlled environments may face challenges adapting to forests. Taking note of gaps in existing rules, the court directed the Union environment ministry to review draft guidelines within six months.
"These guidelines deserve to be, and shall be, imparted statutory status," the bench said, listing the matter for further monitoring next year.
