‘Jungli Murga’ On Himachal CM’s Dinner Menu? Legal Implications Of The Controversy Explained – News18

Last Updated:December 16, 2024, 16:03 IST

If the “jungli murga” (wild chicken) was indeed killed for the event, questions about how it was sourced and whether the law was violated

In the latest controversy surrounding Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, questions were raised regarding the inclusion of “jungli murga” (wild chicken) meat in a dinner he attended during his tour of the Kupvi region. While the CM did not eat the meat, his involvement in the discussion and the surrounding circumstances sparked outrage, with political rivals accusing him of violating the state’s wildlife protection laws. The controversy quickly escalated, with opposition parties demanding answers and the CM offering a series of clarifications.

What Happened at the Dinner?

The incident occurred during a dinner hosted by locals for CM Sukhu in Tikkar village, part of the Kupvi area in the Choupal assembly constituency of Shimla. The dinner, which was part of the Chief Minister’s “Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar Programme,” aimed to strengthen ties between the state government and rural communities. However, the evening took an unexpected turn when the list of food items served at the dinner, which included “jungli murga” (wild chicken), was leaked online. This led to a viral social media outcry.

In a video from the event, CM Sukhu can be seen asking, “Is this “jungli murga” (wild chicken)?” He further clarified that he did not eat meat due to personal dietary choices, though he once did. As the dinner progressed, Sukhu, along with Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, was seen politely refusing the “jungli murga” (wild chicken) but urging others to eat it. In a surprising twist, another video surfaced in which Sukhu seemed to suggest that the “jungli murga” (wild chicken) be served more widely, prompting further questions about the CM’s stance on the issue.

Is Serving “Jungli Murga” (Wild Chicken) Legal?

The meat in question came from a wild chicken, which, under law, is classified as a protected species. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which governs the protection of wildlife, includes all species of wild chicken under its Schedule I category. These species are considered to be highly endangered and their hunting, capture, and consumption are strictly prohibited.

According to the law, anyone caught hunting or killing wild chicken can face serious legal consequences, including imprisonment for three to seven years and fines of up to Rs 10,000. The inclusion of “jungli murga” (wild chicken) on a menu at an official dinner hosted by the Chief Minister thus raised red flags. If the “jungli murga” (wild chicken) was indeed killed for the event, questions about how it was sourced and whether the law was violated remain central to the controversy.

As soon as the video went viral, opposition leaders, especially from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) including former CM Jairam Thakur accused the current government of hypocrisy, claiming that those who had previously complained about a more straightforward initiative like the “Jan Manch” scheme were now turning a blind eye to the serving of illegal meat. Thakur sharply criticised the CM, suggesting that while ordinary citizens would face jail time for hunting “jungli murga” (wild chicken), the Chief Minister was casually endorsing the consumption of a protected species in an official capacity.

BJP spokesperson Chetan Singh Bragta also joined the criticism, pointing out that serving “jungli murga” (wild chicken) not only violated legal protections but also contradicted the government’s supposed commitment to wildlife conservation. Bragta demanded that the CM apologise for the incident, arguing that such a lapse in judgement was unbecoming of a public official.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s Defence

CM Sukhu quickly responded to the allegations, clarifying his position and defending his actions. In a statement, the chief minister emphasised that the meat served at the dinner was from a local, domesticated chicken, not a wild one. He acknowledged that while non-vegetarian food is a staple in mountain life, he personally avoids meat for health reasons. Sukhu denied any intentional wrongdoing, suggesting that the issue was being blown out of proportion by political opponents with an agenda to defame the villagers and distract from other issues facing the state.

Furthermore, he dismissed the allegations made by ex-CM Jairam Thakur and other opposition figures as politically motivated. Sukhu asserted that the food served in rural areas often includes local dishes, and while he did not partake in the “jungli murga” (wild chicken), it was not unusual for villagers to include such dishes in their meals. The CM reiterated that his refusal to eat meat was based on health concerns and not a reflection of his stance on the region’s food culture.

Legal Perspectives on Wildlife Protection in Himachal Pradesh

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, all wild chicken species, including those found in Himachal Pradesh, are categorised under Schedule I. This designation means they are granted the highest level of protection under the law. In practice, this prohibits any form of hunting, capturing, or killing these species, and any violation can result in imprisonment and hefty fines.

The Himachal Pradesh government, in particular, has been stringent about enforcing these protections. The state’s wildlife laws are aimed at preventing the illegal poaching of endangered species, including various birds, and to maintain biodiversity in the region. The fact that a meal containing “jungli murga” (wild chicken) was served in an official programme raised alarms about the potential legal ramifications.

From ‘Samosas‘ to ‘Jungli Murga‘ (Wild Chicken)

This latest controversy is not the first time the Himachal Pradesh government faced public scrutiny over food-related issues. Earlier this year, a “samosa scandal” erupted when it was revealed that expensive samosas had been ordered from a luxury hotel for an official event, causing outrage among the public. The incident led to an investigation by the state’s Cyber Police, and criticism from the opposition about the use of public funds for such lavish catering.

Now, with the “jungli murga” (wild chicken) issue, the opposition is again accusing the state government of mismanaging public resources and flouting environmental laws. These issues have created a narrative of inconsistency and incompetence within the ruling party, which the opposition is keen to exploit.

Location :

Himachal Pradesh, India