Delhi HC Raps City Govt for Ignoring Forest Protection Plea, Imposes Rs 50,000 Cost

Delhi High Court imposed a Rs 50,000 cost on the city government for failing to respond to a petition seeking adequate IFS officers and CAPF deployment to protect forests in the national capital, citing non-compliance with repeated court orders.

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on the Delhi government for failing to file a reply to a petition seeking adequate Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers and deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to protect forests in the national capital.

Repeated Directions Ignored

Justice Subramonium Prasad expressed displeasure over the authorities' repeated failure to comply with court directions. Despite orders issued on August 2, 2023, and September 21, 2023, granting four weeks to file a reply, the state government had not responded. The court noted that no valid reason was provided for the delay, except for the vague explanation that information was being sought from other states.

Majesty of the Court

Justice Prasad emphasized that non-compliance with court directions undermines the majesty of the court. He stated, "Not complying with repeated directions of the court is against the majesty of the court. The majesty of the court cannot be brought down."

Petition for Forest Protection

The petition, filed by an individual, sought several measures to protect forests and wildlife in Delhi. It urged the central government to post an adequate number of IFS officers with the Delhi government's Forests and Wildlife department. Additionally, it called for better protective equipment, arms, and staff strength for forest rangers, guards, and other field staff to ensure their safety while performing their duties.

Constitutional Rights

The petition highlighted that the actions of the Forests and Wildlife department directly affect the petitioner's right to a clean and healthy environment, which is guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. It argued that deploying an unarmed, un-uniformed, and untrained force against heavily armed encroachers, poachers, and smugglers violates Article 21.

Forest Training School and CAPF Deployment

The petition also sought the establishment of a forest training school by the Delhi government and the creation of forest stations in all forest divisions of the city, similar to those in Kerala, for effective forest and wildlife management. Furthermore, it urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to deploy an adequate number of CAPF personnel to assist and protect frontline forestry staff and safeguard the city's reserved and protected forests.

Next Hearing

The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for further hearing on March 20, 2024.