In a stern admonition, the Supreme Court reprimanded former Uttarakhand Forest Minister and Congress leader Harak Singh Rawat, along with former Divisional Forest Officer Kishan Chand, for authorizing illegal constructions and deforestation within the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The court expressed dismay over the breach of public trust by bureaucrats and politicians, emphasizing that their actions have metaphorically tossed the people’s faith into the trash bin.
A bench led by Justice BR Gavai criticized the blatant disregard for legal norms, stating that this case exemplifies how officials and leaders have desecrated the principle of trust vested in them by the public. The court highlighted the severe violations of law committed by the implicated individuals, pointing out that the commercialization under the guise of promoting tourism led to extensive tree felling and construction activities.
The Supreme Court underscored the primary responsibility of the former minister and the DFO to uphold the law, yet they chose to overlook legal mandates to facilitate commercial activities through tourism, causing significant environmental damage. The court remarked on the unique nature of the case, showcasing the disregard for public welfare and the collusion between political figures and forest officers for personal and commercial gains.
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Additionally, the Supreme Court instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit a status report on the ongoing investigation within three months. The court emphasized that legal proceedings must take their course without prejudicial comments, ensuring that responsible individuals are identified and held accountable.
The apex court further stressed the need for the state to address the environmental harm caused and take immediate steps to prevent such occurrences in the future, including a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the damage and recover costs from those accountable.
