Shimla, November 21, 2024: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has dismissed a petition by Hira Singh challenging his eviction from 11-04-03 bighas of forest land in Mandi’s Karsog Division.
A bench of Justices Vivek Singh Thakur and Bipin Chander Negi upheld earlier orders by the Collector and Divisional Commissioner, stating the encroachment violated the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
The court directed authorities to identify and demarcate the reclaimed land by January 15, 2025, and remove all encroachments within six months. Encroachers may take debris or fixtures by March 5, 2025, failing which costs will be recovered as arrears.
All proceedings must be videographed, and any lapse will invite strict action. The Chief Secretary has been instructed to ensure compliance, with a status report due on March 5, 2025.