Jharkhand High Court Urges Swift Action on Illegal Tree Felling Investigation

The Jharkhand High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the investigation into widespread illegal tree felling during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown in various districts of the state. The court has instructed the state government to provide an updated status report within two weeks.
State officials revealed during the hearing that forest department personnel, including range forest officers and forest guards, were implicated in the investigation. Charge sheets have been filed against two forest officials, and an arrest warrant has been issued for another suspect.
A Division Bench led by Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad presided over the proceedings. The court raised concerns about the prolonged delay in the investigation, emphasizing that the case has been pending for several years. The state government cited the involvement of forest department staff as a reason for the probe’s hindrance and delay.
In a previous hearing, the High Court criticized the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the Director General of Police for unsatisfactory responses. The court emphasized the seriousness of a six-year delay in the investigation, hinting at potential contempt of court.