Cutting Trees is Worse Than Murder: SC

A very good action has been taken by the Supreme Court of India to protect our nature and environment. Nowadays, incidents of illegal tree cutting are on the rise, causing severe harm to the ecosystem.

In a landmark decision on Tuesday, March 25, the Supreme Court imposed a ₹1 lakh fine per tree on a man who illegally cut down 454 trees. During the hearing, the individual admitted his mistake and requested a penalty reduction, but the court dismissed his plea. The Supreme Court strongly condemned the act, stating that large-scale deforestation is worse than murder, highlighting the need for strict environmental protection measures.

During the hearing, the individual admitted his mistake and pleaded for a reduction in the penalty. However, the court firmly rejected his request. Emphasizing the gravity of the offense, the Supreme Court declared that large-scale deforestation is a crime worse than murder and stressed the urgent need for environmental protection.

Restoring Green Cover Will Take 100 Years

A bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan rejected the petition of the person who had felled 454 trees in the Taj-protected area.

• The court made a strong statement, asserting that there should be no leniency in environmental matters.
• It further noted that restoring the green cover destroyed by these trees would take at least 100 years.

CEC Recommended Heavy Fine

The Supreme Court also accepted the report of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

• The report recommended imposing a fine of ₹1 lakh per tree on Shiv Shankar Agarwal, who had cut 454 trees in Dalmia Farm, Mathura-Vrindavan.

Permission for Plantation Granted

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi represented Agarwal and stated that his client had admitted his mistake. However, the court refused to reduce the penalty.

• The court emphasized that Agarwal should be granted permission to plant trees at a nearby location.
• It also ruled that the contempt petition against him would only be settled upon compliance with this order.

2019 Order Revoked

The Supreme Court also revoked its 2019 ruling, which had removed the requirement for prior permission to cut trees on non-forest and private land within the Taj Trapezium Zone.