PREVENTION AND DETECTION OF OFFENCESCentral

Section 52 of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Whoever attempts to contravene, or abets the contravention of, any of the provisions of this Act or of any rule or order made thereunder shall be deemed to have contravened that provision or rule or order, as the case may be.

Summary

This section clarifies that simply trying to break a wildlife law is just as bad as actually succeeding.
Any person who "attempts" to violate the Act or its rules is considered to have actually committed that violation.
It also covers "abetment," which means helping, encouraging, or pushing someone else to commit a wildlife crime.
If you help someone poach an animal, you are legally treated as if you pulled the trigger yourself.
This ensures that people who plan or assist in crimes cannot escape punishment just because they weren't the main actor.

Practical examples

1Gopal tries to trap a rare deer but the deer escapes before he can catch it. Under Section 52 of the wildlife law, Gopal is still guilty of hunting because he attempted to do it.

2Meera provides a high powered rifle to a friend, knowing they plan to kill a protected leopard. Even if Meera stays home, she is guilty of abetment under Section 52 of the protection Act.

3David scouts a National Park to find the best spot for his brother to hunt illegally. David's assistance makes him liable for the crime under Section 52 of the nature Act.

FAQ

1. If I try to hunt an animal but fail, can I be punished under Section 52 of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972?

Yes, under Section 52 of the Act, attempting to contravene any provision is deemed the same as actually breaking the law.

2. What does "abetment" mean under Section 52 of the Wild Life Protection Act?

Under Section 52 of the nature Act, abetment means assisting, encouraging, or planning with someone else to commit a crime under the wildlife law.

3. If I hire a driver to take me to a place for illegal hunting, is the driver liable under Section 52 of the nature protection Act?

If the driver knowingly helps you reach the spot for illegal hunting, they can be charged with abetment under Section 52 of the Act.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 52 of The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, what happens to someone who attempts a crime but fails?

Q2.According to Section 52 of the nature protection law, what is the term for assisting someone else in a wildlife crime?

Q3.If a person is guilty of abetment under Section 52, which other section determines their jail time?

Q4.Under Section 52 of the wildlife protection Act, is someone who only "orders" a crime punishable?

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