India, May 27 -- The Supreme Court on Monday warned the Rajasthan government of contempt proceedings, taking "serious" note of illegal mining activities inside the core area of Ranthambore tiger reserve (RTR). The court also sought a response from the state within 24 hours on an application seeking deployment of central paramilitary forces to guard the wildlife reserve.

The bench, also comprising justice AG Masih, posted the matter for hearing on Tuesday. It was hearing the application moved by lawyer and activist Sanjay Kumar on May 5.

The application claimed that tigers in Ranthambore were under grave threat due to uncontrolled movement of vehicles and people inside the reserve, illegal mining and unauthorised construction, in flagran...