Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court has expressed sharp disapproval of the state government’s inaction in addressing illegal tree felling across the state, four months after being directed to file a detailed action report. The rebuke came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Geraldine G Shabong, originally focused on unauthorised logging in Laitumkhrah’s Lower New Colony area.
Chief Justice IP Mukerji and Justice W Diengdoh, presiding over the case, noted with concern that despite the court’s explicit order on April 9, no compliance report had been filed by the government. The April directive had called for a comprehensive update on measures taken to curb tree felling in all districts of the state—a scope that had been expanded beyond the original location due to the severity of the issue.
“It appears that no action has been taken till now since no report is filed by the State,” the court observed in its order dated June 12, underlining the administration’s failure to respond to clear judicial instructions.
Responding to the court’s criticism, Additional Advocate General N.D. Chullai requested more time to file the overdue report. While the court granted the extension, it came with a firm warning. The judges made it clear that the report must show “at least initiation of action and some positive move in that direction,” reflecting tangible steps being taken rather than perfunctory paperwork.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for June 24 and directed that the report be shared with the petitioner’s counsel by June 23. The development underscores the judiciary’s growing frustration with environmental inaction and puts additional pressure on the state to demonstrate accountability in protecting forest cover across Meghalaya.