PRAYAGRAJ, Feb. 27 -- The Allahabad high court has sought reports from district-level committees on the action taken under the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the growing monkey menace and escalating man-monkey conflict across Uttar Pradesh. The court also directed authorities to place a detailed action plan before it.

The PIL, filed by Vineet Sharma and another petitioner, highlights the rising monkey population, increasing conflict incidents, crop destruction, and the hunger and starvation faced by the animals due to shrinking food sources. The petition also raises concerns over the callous conditions in which monkeys are living.

A division bench comprising justice Mahesh...