The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a stern stance against the Haryana government's inaction by issuing a contempt notice to Vasvi Tyagi, Secretary of the Forest and Wildlife Department. This legal action comes in response to the state's alleged willful non-compliance with a court order from June 2025, which mandated the expeditious demarcation and notification of Morni Hills as a Reserved Forest.
Court's Strong Displeasure Over Seven-Month Delay
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel expressed strong displeasure during a hearing on Friday. The bench highlighted that more than seven months have passed since the court's final directions in the case CWP-469-2017, yet no significant progress has been made. The court had set a strict deadline of December 31, 2025, for the state to issue a notification under Section 20 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927, declaring the scheduled land as a Reserved Forest.
Key Directives from the June 2025 Order
In its order dated June 20, 2025, the court had issued several critical directives:
- The Forest Settlement Officer (FSO) was mandated to take immediate steps to ensure the expeditious submission of his report.
- The State of Haryana was directed to provide all necessary documents and facilities to the FSO to facilitate the process.
- An interim restraint on non-forest activities in the Morni Hills area, as covered by a 1987 notification, was continued to protect the environment.
State's Unilateral Actions and Lack of Progress
The court noted with concern that the Haryana government unilaterally converted the single-member FSO body into a three-member committee on September 17, 2025. This change was made without seeking any clarification or review from the court, which the bench described as extremely unfortunate. Since this alteration, no steps have been initiated regarding the demarcation or survey of Morni Hills, leading to further delays.
Court's Observations on Delaying Tactics
In its observations, the bench stated, It is now more than seven months since the passing of the said order, and no steps have been initiated with regard to the demarcation/survey of Morni Hills. The court went on to assert that it appears the functionaries of the State of Haryana are deliberately delaying the process on various pretexts, for reasons best known to them. This strong language underscores the court's frustration with the state's lack of urgency in complying with judicial orders.
Background on Morni Hills Conservation Efforts
Morni Hills, renowned as Haryana's only hill station, has been a focal point of conservation litigation for years. Efforts to protect its forested landscape from non-forest activities have been ongoing, with this case being a significant part of that legal battle. The area's ecological importance makes timely action crucial to prevent environmental degradation.
Next Steps and Future Hearing
The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 20, where the court will likely review the state's response to the contempt notice and assess any progress made. This upcoming hearing will be critical in determining whether the Haryana government takes concrete steps to comply with the court's directives or faces further legal consequences.
The issuance of this contempt notice highlights the judiciary's commitment to enforcing environmental protection laws and holding government authorities accountable for delays in crucial conservation matters. It serves as a reminder of the legal obligations states have in safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
