KATHMANDU, June 20: The Supreme Court today issued a show cause notice to the government over the release of rhesus monkeys from Lele Research Center to Shivapuri National Park.
As per the order, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation and Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation will have to furnish clarification over the government´s decision.
A Public Interest Litigation was filed by the Law Students Society of Nepal (LSSN) against the release of genetically modified primates into the park on Friday. The move is supported by AWNN.
The applicants have argued that the release of 263 monkeys is in violation of national and international environmental laws and principles regarding biological diversity conservation. They have also said that the release violates people´s constitutional right to safe environment and health.
The applicants have requested the court to issue mandamus in the name of respondents to capture all released monkeys and rehabilitate them by adhering to the internationally recognized guidelines and by applying precautionary measures.
They have also requested the court to issue a directive in the name of respondents to draft and issue necessary rules, guidelines and policies to regulate future cases of wildlife rehabilitation.