📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Harvinder Chandigarh
Politics
Punjab stalls new tree‑felling law after High Court flags concerns
✍️ Bar and Bench
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 06:16 PM
👁 13
The Punjab government has decided to keep its recently passed tree‑felling legislation in abeyance after the Punjab and Haryana High Court raised legal concerns.
The state cabinet approved a new law aimed at regulating the felling of trees in Punjab, citing the need to balance development with environmental protection. Shortly after its passage, the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened, questioning the legislation's compliance with existing forest and environmental statutes.
The bench highlighted potential conflicts with constitutional provisions and urged the government to reassess the procedural safeguards embedded in the draft. In response, officials announced that the law would be kept in abeyance pending a detailed review of the court's observations.
Punjab's environment ministry said it would work with legal experts to address the raised issues and consider amendments before any further implementation. The decision reflects growing scrutiny of state‑level environmental policies across India.
Stakeholders, including local NGOs and farmer groups, have welcomed the pause, urging a more transparent drafting process that safeguards both ecological and agricultural interests.
The bench highlighted potential conflicts with constitutional provisions and urged the government to reassess the procedural safeguards embedded in the draft. In response, officials announced that the law would be kept in abeyance pending a detailed review of the court's observations.
Punjab's environment ministry said it would work with legal experts to address the raised issues and consider amendments before any further implementation. The decision reflects growing scrutiny of state‑level environmental policies across India.
Stakeholders, including local NGOs and farmer groups, have welcomed the pause, urging a more transparent drafting process that safeguards both ecological and agricultural interests.