Gujarat HC Grants Bail To Man Accused Of Hunting Spiny-Tailed Lizard

The Gujarat High Court has granted regular bail to Dalsukh Mathasuriya, who was arrested earlier this year for allegedly attempting to hunt a spiny-tailed lizard, a protected species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

A single-judge bench, while granting bail, observed that the investigation had been completed and the charge sheet had already been filed. The court also noted that none of the alleged offences carried a sentence of life imprisonment or death.

Accused Allegedly Caught With Hunting Equipment

Mathasuriya was allegedly caught with hunting equipment in a forest area under the Thangadh Range Forest Office in Surendranagar district.

He had remained in custody since May 6, 2026. The prosecution opposed his bail plea, citing the seriousness of the alleged wildlife offence and his previous criminal record.

However, the court noted that although the applicant had criminal antecedents, none of his previous cases were related to wildlife offences.

Court Cites Right To Personal Liberty

Reiterating the established principle that “bail is a rule and jail is an exception”, the court observed that keeping an accused behind bars indefinitely during the trial could effectively amount to pre-trial conviction and infringe upon the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The High Court therefore ordered Mathasuriya’s release on regular bail upon execution of a personal bond of ₹25,000 with one surety of the same amount.

Six-Month Restriction From Thangadh Area

To prevent potential tampering with evidence or repetition of the alleged offence, the court imposed conditions on the accused.

Mathasuriya has been barred from entering the Thangadh Forest Protected Area and Thangadh Taluka for six months, except for court appearances or police check-ins.

The bail order does not amount to a finding on the merits of the allegations, and the trial will determine the charges against him.