HP High court seeks clarification from DMC on mishandling of seized timber
Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source internet
Shimla, Aug 2,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation (DMC) over the unauthorized disposal of timber seized from illegal tree felling, directing the civic body to file a fresh compliance affidavit.
During the hearing of CWPIL of 2019 (Court on its own motion vs. State of Himachal Pradesh & others) on July 30, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma observed that contrary to court directions, the seized wood was not auctioned by the authorities but was instead allegedly dispersed by the violators themselves.
The court noted that the DMC Commissioner’s affidavit acknowledged the imposition of a penalty of Rs 1 lakh and a five-year construction ban against the violators. However, the court found the explanation unsatisfactory regarding the mishandling of the timber, which should have been confiscated and auctioned, with proceeds remitted to the municipal treasury.
In an attempt to demonstrate compliance with replantation directives, one of the respondents submitted that 100 saplings had been planted approximately 100 meters from the original site of violation. Photographs and land ownership records were annexed to substantiate the claim. Nevertheless, the court directed the DMC to conduct a spot inspection to verify whether the plantation was carried out in line with the orders.
The Bench has now directed the Municipal Corporation to file a “better affidavit” addressing both the status of the alleged plantation and the issue of timber forfeiture. The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 9, 2025.
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