The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a stern stance against what it perceives as deliberate delays by state authorities in implementing its directives regarding the Morni Hills area. Observing that the functionaries of the Haryana government appear to be "in no mood" to carry out court orders, the high court has initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against Vasvi Tyagi, the secretary of the forest and wildlife department.
Court's Strong Observations on State's Conduct
In a significant development, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel expressed serious concerns about the state's approach to the Morni Hills forest declaration project. The bench noted that more than seven months have passed since its final order in June 2025, yet no substantive steps have been taken toward the demarcation or survey of the area.
The court's order, issued on Saturday, stated: "It appears that the functionaries of the state of Haryana are in no mood to proceed with the demarcation/survey of Morni Hills and are delaying the process on one pretext or the other, for reasons best known to them."
Background of the Case
The matter originates from a petition filed by Vijay Bansal, an activist from Panchkula, who sought directions for the time-bound settlement of Morni Hills area under the Punjab Land Revenue Act and Punjab Settlement Manual. The petition also called for implementation of the July 1997 report on the issue.
In its June 2025 judgment, the high court had issued specific directives:
- The forest settlement officer (FSO) must complete demarcation and survey of Morni Hills
- The state must issue a notification under Section 20 of Indian Forest Act, 1927
- Morni Hills must be declared as 'Reserved Forest' by December 31, 2025
- All non-forest activities in the area must remain restrained until notification
State's Actions Draw Judicial Ire
The court expressed particular displeasure with the state government's decision to alter the composition of the FSO without seeking judicial clarification. Through a notification dated September 17, 2025, the state converted the FSO from a single-member authority into a three-member body.
"It is extremely unfortunate to note that, before issuing the notification dated Sept 17, 2025, appointing a three-member body, the state of Haryana did not approach this court for clarification or review of the final order dated June 20, 2025," the bench observed.
Affidavit Fails to Satisfy Court
During Friday's hearing, the court examined an affidavit filed by the forest secretary on January 20, 2026, which sought an extension of time for compliance. However, the bench found this request unsatisfactory, noting that it came without any demonstrable progress on the ground regarding the demarcation or survey work.
The court described the conduct of the state authorities as "extremely unfortunate" and raised serious concerns about compliance with judicial directions. The bench emphasized that the authorities appeared to be deliberately delaying the process, prompting the initiation of contempt proceedings.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The suo motu contempt notice issued to Forest Secretary Vasvi Tyagi requires an explanation as to why he/she should not be proceeded against for contempt due to non-compliance of the June 20, 2025 order. This development represents a significant escalation in the judicial oversight of environmental protection matters in the region.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between judicial directives for environmental conservation and administrative implementation at the state level. The Morni Hills area, which has been the subject of conservation efforts for decades, remains at the center of this legal battle.
The next hearing in this matter has been scheduled for February 20, 2026, where the forest secretary will need to respond to the contempt notice and provide satisfactory explanations for the delays in implementing the court's orders.
