NGT Raps Authorities for Six-Month Delay in FIR Over Illegal Tree Felling in Panipat; Seeks Response from Deputy Commissioner
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), on September 18, 2025, expressed concern over the laxity of authorities in addressing the illegal felling of trees and pruning in Sector 11, HUDA, Panipat, Haryana.
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The matter arose in Jagdish Kalra v. Haryana State Pollution Control Board & Ors. (Original Application No. 1176/2024), where the applicant highlighted the illegal axing of a mature Peepal tree and heavy pruning of two other trees within a public park.
Findings on the Incident
The Municipal Corporation of Panipat, in its reply dated March 4, 2025, admitted that one Peepal tree had been felled below the stem and two other trees were heavily pruned. Photographs produced before the Tribunal confirmed the damage, though the pruned trees had sprouted new leaves.
The record showed that the incident occurred on July 9, 2024. The Corporation’s Executive Engineer issued a letter to the SHO of Chandnibagh Police Station on July 25, 2024, seeking action. A follow-up letter was sent on January 13, 2025. Despite this, an FIR was registered only on January 25, 2025—more than six months later—under Section 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. The FIR, however, was lodged against “unknown persons” even though reports identified those involved.
Applicant’s Contentions
Counsel for the applicant argued that the authorities had deliberately delayed action despite clear evidence and protests by local residents. He pointed to a newspaper report dated July 12, 2024, which documented that a tractor trolley used in the tree felling was abandoned at the site and that the Deputy Commissioner of Panipat, Dr. Virender Kumar Dahiya, had directed registration of an FIR. Despite this, the case proceeded slowly, and those responsible were not named.
Tribunal’s Observations
The Tribunal criticized the delayed and superficial response of the authorities. It noted: “It is strange that the respondent authorities have waited for almost six months and thereafter registered the FIR, that too against unknown persons. This does not reflect that the respondent authorities were serious about taking action against the person responsible for illegal felling of the tree.”
The Bench underscored that illegal tree felling undermines ecological balance and community well-being, and administrative delay in such matters weakens accountability.
Counsel for the Deputy Commissioner sought one week’s time to obtain further instructions. The Tribunal granted the request and directed that an appropriate response be filed. The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 8, 2025.
By calling out the delay and requiring direct accountability from senior officials, the Tribunal reinforced that protection of urban trees demands prompt and serious action. The next hearing will determine concrete steps to hold violators accountable and ensure timely investigation.
Appearance
Applicant: Mr. Tarun Cummra, Adv. for Applicant.
Respondents: Mr. Rahul Khurana & Mr. Hasil Jain, Advs. for R - 1 to 3 & 6 to 7 Ms. Suhasini Sen & Ms. Masooma Rizvi, Advs. for MoEF & CC
Cause Title: Jagdish Kalra v. Haryana State Pollution Control Board & Ors.
Case No: Original Application No. 1176/2024
Coram: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member)
