E.R. THANGKHIEW Vs. STATE OF MEGHALAYA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The grievance in this writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is that, there has been illegal felling of trees by respondent No.6 in the forest area. It was urged that in view of provisions of the United Khasi-Jaintia Hills Autonomous District (Management and Control of Forests) Act, 1958, respondent No.6 is liable for penalty for infringement of restriction imposed in the statute. Reference was made to affidavit-in-opposition filed on behalf of respondents no.3 to 5 dated 26th July, 2018 wherein in para 13 felling of trees illegally has been accepted by respondent Nos. 3 to 5. Para 13 of the aforesaid affidavit reads thus:

(2.) Mr. VGK. Kynta on behalf of respondents No. 3 to 5 pointed out that writ petitioner had approached the police authority for lodging of complaint against respondent No.6. He was unable to authoritatively say whether any F.I.R has been registered or not. It was pointed out by him that the area falls under Lumdiengjri Police Station.

(3.) Mr. H. Kharmih has put in appearance on behalf of respondents No. 1 and 2 prays for time to inform the Court whether any F.I.R. or any other criminal action has been initiated against respondent No.6, adjourned to 20- 9-2019.