States » NorthPosted at: Nov 11 2025 4:36PM


Himachal HC flags ambiguity in Forest Act

Shimla, Nov 11 (UNI) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has flagged ambiguity in the interpretation of the Indian Forest Act (IFA) and referred a key legal question to a larger bench about the powers of police and forest officials to arrest and prosecute offenders.
The decision could have far-reaching implications for hundreds of forest offence cases pending across the state, particularly those related to illegal felling and transportation of timber and other forest produce.
Justice Rakesh Kainthla, delivering the verdict in State of HP vs. Prem Chand & another, noted that the trial court had earlier treated offences under Sections 41 and 42 of the IFA as non-cognizable and non-bailable, relying on the precedent set in State of HP. vs. Satpal Singh.
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