Himachal Pradesh High Court issued show cause to all the respondents as to why action be not drawn against them for non-compliance of the orders passed by this Court in matter pertaining to tree felling at Dharamshala.
Division bench comprising Chief Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir and Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan passed these orders on a petition taken up suo moto by the court as public interest litigation (PIL) on a letter written to the chief justice by Ghazala Abdullah.
Court also said that the Superintendent of Police, Kangra at Dharamshala is directed to obtain a report from the Police Station concerned whether any complaint was received or registered about the felling of the tree in question and what action was drawn on the said complaint.
It further said that the Superintendent of Police is also directed to submit a report as to how many cases have been lodged against illicit felling of the trees right from June 2, 2015. Court also said that the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests being the head of the Department is directed to ensure strict compliance of the orders passed by this Court from time to time in this writ petition.
Earlier on October 28, same bench had summoned Secretary (Forest), Deputy Commissioner Kangra, Chief Conservator of Forest, Conservator of Forest, Kangra district, Divisional Forest Officer, Superintendent of Police, SP CID, Kangra, Chairman Municipal Council, Dharamshala and Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Dharamshala over this matter.
Further the Amicus Curiae also pointed out that Chaman Lal, Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Dharamshala was performing his duties with sincerity, but he was transferred and now, the charge of the office of the Executive Officer has been given to Joginder Singh, an Engineer.
“Concerned State Authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, are directed to post a competent, efficient and sincere officer, having the requisite eligibility and qualification, as Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, Dharamshala with independent charge of the said office, within one week from today and report compliance on the next date of hearing,” read the court order.
