Himachal Pradesh HC Directs Inquiry Into The Matter Alleging Illegal Felling of Trees For Road Laying
The Himachal Pradesh High Court while taking suo motu cognizance in a matter alleging illegal felling of trees, has directed to set up a committee to verify the allegations made in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The bench further directed the report to be filed by the said Committee within three months.
“…this Court deems it desirable to constitute a committee of the Deputy Commissioner, District Mandi, the Superintendent of Police, District Mandi, and the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, District Mandi to verify whether the claims made in the reply filed in this PIL are true or not”, observed Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel in the matter.
Advocate Abhishek Dulta appeared as Amicus Curiae in the matter, Advocate General Anup Rattan with, Additional Advocates General Rakesh Dhaulta, Navlesh Verma, Pranay Pratap Singh, Deputy Advocate General Sidharth Jalta appeared for the respondents-State.
In the instant matter, the petitioner had alleged an illegal felling of forest trees involving the Divisional Forest Officer, Nacha, Mandi in the area Shikari Kamroo Nag, Devi Dehar-Shikari, Saroph to Kamroo Nag.
It was also contended in the PIL that the roads are being laid illegally in extremely dense forest areas without obtaining clearance under the Forest Conservation Act.
The bench further listed the matter for October 10, 2023.
Cause Title: Court on its own motion v. State of H.P. & others
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