HC issues notice, as contempt plea alleges felling of 17 trees

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued notice on an application seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against authorities in Sangrur for allegedly disobeying its order restraining the felling of trees during construction activities.

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The Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel passed the order on an application filed by Jasinder Sekhon and other applicants against Punjab and other respondents. Appearing on the applicants’ behalf, senior advocate RS Bains and counsel Aarushi Garg submitted that they had moved the high court for restraining authorities from carrying out unsanctioned public works and from felling trees, some of which were over a century old.

This direction, initially passed in the matter, were modified on November 15, 2021, to permit construction of dividers, pavements, and sewerage lines within the city of Sangrur, but strictly subject to the condition that “no trees shall be felled in the process.”

The applicants alleged that 17 mature trees were felled on April 7 within the premises of Sangrur Civil Hospital to make space for additional building. This was in blatant violation of the HC condition against tree felling. Photographs showing the extent of damage were also annexed with the contempt plea.

It was further contended that a representation was immediately made by the applicant to the SDM, Sangrur, pointing out the violation. Citing an earlier contempt case already pending before the High Court, the petitioners submitted that the respondents have repeatedly violated judicial orders under the pretext of “development.” The matter will now come up for further hearing on July 23.