HASEENA BERVIN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We have heard learned counsel for the appellant and perused the record in the light of her submissions. We have also perused the affidavit filed by 4th respondent in the present Writ Appeal.

(2.) The facts brought on record indicate that the concerned rosewood trees were felled without permission of the Chief Conservator of Forests, the only authority to permit it. The Forest Range Officer had no authority to give permission to cut or fell rosewood trees which are deemed to belong to the Government. The affidavit makes it clear that since the timber involved was Government property, it was transferred to the Government depot, Mudickal and sold in auction on 16.1.1996. The sale was also confirmed by the Conservator of Forests, High Range Circle, Kottayam. From the affidavit it appears that disciplinary action was initiated against the Forest Range Officer who unauthorisedly granted permission to cut rosewood trees and the said officer has been punished. In the circumstances, we see no reason to interfere with the judgment of the learned Single Judge which appears to be fully justified.