MAJEED Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) COURTS below concurrently found petitioners & another guilty of the offence under S. 27 (1) (g) of the Kerala Forest Act, and sentenced them to undergo rigorous imprisonment for three months and to pay a fine of Rs. 300/- each with a default sentence. On 18-5-1984, PWs. 1. 2 & other Forest Officials found petitioners moving pieces of a teak tree in the reserved forests. They were removing it out of the forest. This was seized under Ext. P1. Acting on the evidence of PWs. 1 & 2, COURTS below found the charge.

(2.) LEARNED counsel submitted that evidence does not establish the charge, and that the evidence is not reliable either. The Courts on facts have considered this aspect and found that there was reliable evidence to establish the charge. I am in agreement with the view taker by the Courts below.

(3.) THE Forest Act, is a piece of legislation in this direction and it makes destruction of forests a serious offence. THE legislative perception must be enforced, with seriousness of purpose. So viewed, sentence is not harsh at all. Conviction and sentence are confirmed and revision Petition is dismissed. Dismissed. . .