By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 12: The High Court of Meghalaya has pulled up the state government for its failure to take action against the illegal and irregular felling of trees across districts, despite clear directives issued earlier by the Court.
The matter came up during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL No. 2 of 2024) filed by environmental activist Geraldine G Shabong, initially targeting unregulated tree cutting in Lower New Colony, Laitumkhrah. However, the Court expanded the scope of the case — first to East Khasi Hills, and later, through an order dated April 9, 2025, to cover the entire state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh observed that despite the directive for a compliance report, no action had been taken, and no report had been filed by the state till date.
During the hearing, Additional Advocate General ND Chullai, appearing for the state along with government advocate R Colney, sought additional time to file the report. The Court granted the request and adjourned the matter to June 24. The bench sternly noted that the state must, at the very least, demonstrate an “initiation of action and some positive move” in the direction of curbing illegal deforestation.
The report must be submitted to the petitioner’s counsel by June 23.