Punjab and Haryana HC stops Haryana from axing 12,000 trees in Rohtak’s ‘green lungs’

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry questioned Haryana's move to carve out a commercial sector in land that has naturally developed into a dense forest over the past two decades.

3 min readJan 28, 2026 01:42 PM IST

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry, the court questioned the state’s move to carve out a commercial sector in land that has naturally developed into a dense forest over the past two decades.(File photo)

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Chandigarh, January 28

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday restrained Haryana authorities from cutting any further trees in a 38-acre green patch in the heart of Rohtak, described as the city’s “green lungs”, while examining a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging its proposed commercial exploitation.

While hearing the PIL, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry questioned the state’s move to carve out a commercial sector in land that has naturally developed into a dense forest over the past two decades.

Appearing for the petitioner, the counsel submitted that the land, acquired in 2002 for Sector 6, had remained unused and had since become a naturally grown forest with more than 12,000 fully grown trees. The area, located in the National Capital Region (NCR), exceeded five hectares and therefore squarely fell within the definition of “forest” under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, as well as Haryana’s own notification issued on August 18, 2025.

He told the court that tree cutting had already begun without mandatory clearance from the Central Government, in violation of Section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act. Photographs placed on record showed felling activity since January 19, 2026.

Referring to Supreme Court rulings in the T N Godavarman and A K Sharma cases, counsel argued that forest land could not be diverted for commercial purposes and that even a single tree could not be cut without Central approval. He said the proposed project amounted to a breach of public trust and an infringement of citizens’ fundamental right to a clean environment under Article 21.

‘Why didn’t petitioner approach NGT?’

The bench repeatedly questioned why the petitioner had not approached the National Green Tribunal, noting that a challenge to Haryana’s August 2025 notification defining forest area was already pending before the NGT. The petitioner’s counsel responded that the present case concerned ongoing illegal action on the ground and raised constitutional issues beyond the scope of the tribunal.

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“These are full-grown trees, around 30 years old. Why are you cutting these trees? You don’t want your children or grandchildren to survive?” the Chief Justice observed during the hearing, expressing concern over the loss of a major green cover in the centre of the city.

While reserving the question of jurisdiction, the bench directed the Haryana Government and the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran to file details of permissions, if any, obtained for tree felling. The court also restrained the respondents from carrying out any further cutting of trees in the area until the next date of hearing.

The matter will now be taken up after the counsel for the petitioner assists the court on whether such cases should be entertained under Article 226 or be relegated to the NGT.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More