1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI
----W.P.(PIL) No. 1615 of 2013 -----Vikash Mahto ........... Petitioner -VersusThe Union of India and Others. .......... Respondents -----CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE VIRENDER SINGH, CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE P.P. BHATT -----For the Petitioner : Mr. Anuj Kumar, Advocate For the State : Mr. Ajit Kumar, A.A.G. For Union of India : Mr. Rajiv Sinha, Advocate For Forest Deptt. : Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Advocate. -----14/ Dated: 25th August, 2015 Per Virender Singh, C.J.: What appears to us is that the counter affidavit filed by the Divisional Forest Officer, Core Area, Palamau, Tiger Project Daltonganj, reveals less and conceals more; therefore, a fresh affidavit has to be filed, not by the Divisional Forest Officer, Core Area, Palamau, Tiger Project Daltonganj, but by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (State of Jharkhand)- respondent No. 4 herein, giving up-to-date information of 'Jharkhand Forest At A Glance' and the district wise forest coverage. The deponent shall also make it clear that after 2010 till date, how much forest land has been released for different purposes by the State and to whom. We have been told that Betla National Park, situated in the district of Palamau is known as 'Tiger Reserve', whereas the information now supplied, which is based on status of tigers in India, 2014, the State of Jharkhand has only 3 plus tigers, whereas as per the earlier report of 2006-2010, it was 12. It is really a disturbing feature. The State will also provide the Court the latest report in this regard after the Tigers Census Review Meeting held in February, 2015. Let the affidavit be filed in this regard within two weeks only and we defer the consideration of the instant petition for two weeks at least. List again on 11th September, 2015.
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Let the copy of counter affidavit, which has already been filed, be provided to Mr. Rajiv Sinha, learned Addl. Solicitor General of India enabling him to have the complete information from the concerned quarter. He may also file the affidavit on behalf of the Union of India on or before the next date of hearing. As requested, copy of the order shall be provided to the learned counsel for both the sides under the signature and seal of Court Master.
(Virender Singh, C.J.)
(P.P. Bhatt, J.)
Anu/SI/LAK
