HC issues notice as contempt plea alleges tree felling in Sangrur

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

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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 the state 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 felling trees, some of which were over a century old.

This direction, initially passed in the matter, was modified on November 15, 2021, to permit construction of dividers, pavements, and laying sewerage 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 on the Sangrur Civil Hospital premises to make space for an 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 made by the applicant to the SDM, Sangrur, pointing out the violation. Citing an earlier contempt case pending before the HC, the petitioners submitted that the respondents have repeatedly violated judicial orders on the pretext of “development”. The matter will now come up for further hearing on July 23.