Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Ex-Shimla Dy Mayor Challenges Apple Orchard Removal in Supreme Court
Imagine the government wants to cut down apple trees grown on forest land.
A former leader from Shimla is going to the highest court (Supreme Court) to say this is wrong.
He says it'll hurt the environment because it could cause landslides and ruin the soil.
He also argues that it will harm the local economy because apple farming is very important to people's jobs and livelihood.
The former leader believes that the order is unfair because it was made without fully assessing its environmental impact, and wants a different solution that helps both the environment and the local farmers.
Former Shimla deputy mayor challenges a High Court order in the Supreme Court.
The High Court directed removal of apple orchards on encroached forest lands.
The petitioners argue the order causes environmental and socio-economic harm.
The plea states the order lacks an Environmental Impact Assessment.
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister said the state is against felling apple trees.
- Who
- Former deputy mayor Tikender Singh Panwar and activist Rajiv Rai.
- What
- Challenge to a High Court order regarding apple orchard removal.
- When
- July 2024.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India; Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- To prevent environmental and socio-economic harm from the orchard removal.
Petitioners' Concerns
High Court's Stance
Environmental Impact
Petitioners' Concerns
The High Court order will lead to environmental damage.
High Court's Stance
The High Court order aims to reclaim encroached forest land and plant forest species.
Economic Consequences
Petitioners' Concerns
The order threatens the livelihoods of local farmers.
High Court's Stance
The High Court order may prioritize the restoration of forest land over the economic interests of apple farmers.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Plaintiff
- Tikender Singh Panwar and Rajiv Rai
- Defendant
- Himachal Pradesh High Court
- Issue
- Removal of apple orchards from forest land
- Chief Minister's Stance
- Against felling apple trees
- Trees Felled (Reported)
- Over 3,800 as of July 18