CS and DGP directed to submit report on breach of HC ban on deforestation and quarrying

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 8

The High Court of Manipur directed the chief secretary, R.R. Rashmi and the director general of police, L.M. Khaute to submit their statements in regards to violation of the court’s order on ban on earth excavation work at hillsides and deforestation in reserved forest area.

The matter has been put up by the registry on the basis of the certain newspaper reports that in spite of the court’s order issued on August 30 prohibiting deforestation and quarrying in hills areas, such activities are still taking place.

The division bench of the High Court, acting chief justice, N. Kotiswar viewing that if such violations have been taking place, it becomes a serious concern and the court expects the state authorities to take appropriate steps.

The court observed that it would be appropriate for the chief secretary and DGP be also made respondents in the PIL case.

Earlier on August 30, division bench of the High Court comprising of acting chief justice N. Kotiswar and justice K. Nobin had passed an interim order banning cutting down of trees from the reserved forest areas as well as excavation of hills for any purpose without the permission of the court.

The order was passed in accordance with a PIL filed by the chairman of the Safe Environment Campaign Committee, Heingang, Mutum Inaobi Singh of Heingang Makha Leikai before the High Court of Manipur on August 28 against the State of Manipur and Union of India.

The court has decided the next hearing of the PIL will be on December 18.