India’s Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), enacted in 1972, is one of the most comprehensive legislative frameworks for wildlife conservation in the world. This chapter provides a critical review of the Act, examining its evolution, effectiveness, and limitations in protecting India’s rich biodiversity. It begins by tracing the historical context that led to the enactment of the WPA, highlighting its primary objectives and key provisions, such as the establishment of conservation areas, hunting regulations, and trade of wildlife species. The analysis also explores the Act’s alignment with international agreements like CITES and its role in mitigating wildlife trade and habitat loss. Despite its successes, the WPA has faced challenges in enforcement, legal ambiguities, and balancing conservation with the rights and livelihoods of local communities. This chapter delves into case studies illustrating these issues, such as conflicts arising from human-wildlife interactions and the effectiveness of penalties and deterrents for wildlife crime. Additionally, it assesses recent amendments to the Act, addressing their implications for conservation policy and governance in India. The chapter concludes by proposing pathways for reform, emphasizing the need for participatory approaches that integrate local and indigenous knowledge, adaptive management strategies, and stronger institutional frameworks. By critically evaluating the WPA’s strengths and weaknesses, this chapter aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of India’s conservation paradigm and its potential for addressing emerging threats to biodiversity in the twenty-first century.