Neeraj Kumar v. State Of Punjab

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP-13183-2026 Date of Decision: 30.04.2026 NEERAJ KUMAR

...Petitioner

Vs.

STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

...Respondents

CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present:- Ms. Himani Kapila, Advocate and Mr. Rajesh Kapila, Advocate for the petitioner Ms. Neha Sonawane, DAG Punjab *** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (ORAL) 1.

The petitioner through instant petition under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking direction to respondent to give necessary permission for cutting down trees standing at the exit and entry of petrol pump which he is going to install/set up at Ludhiana-Moga Road, NH-05, Village Ajitwal Tehsil and District Moga. He is further seeking direction to decide his representation dated 09.04.2026. 2.

The petitioner has been allotted petrol pump of Bharat Petroleum Corporation. He is about to set up the same at Ludhiana-Moga Road, NH-05, Village Ajitwal, Tehsil and District Moga. All the necessary approvals have already been obtained from official respondents except from the Forest Department. He applied for NOC on 13.06.2024 to the Forest Department, Ferozepur Range to cut down the trees standing DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.04.30 17:40 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CWP-13183-2026 -2at the Exit and Entry points of petrol pump to be established. Forest Divisional Officer, Ferozepur (for short 'FDO') vide letter dated 19.08.2025 sent a demand notice of ₹ 2,61,276/-. Due amount was duly transferred on 18.09.2025 in Account No. 150847290. FDO issued him NOC on 27.11.2025 which was issued on the basis of approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 23.11.2025. FDO vide letter dated 03.12.2025 sent a letter to Regional Manager, PSFDCL, Bathinda intimating approval of petitioner's case received from Govt. of Punjab in view of letter of Govt of India. Despite fulfilling necessary formalities, inaction of the respondent propelled him to prefer representation dated 09.04.2026 before Deputy Commissioner, Moga who asked Forest Range Officer, Moga to conduct inquiry. The petitioner to show his bona fide has planted 30 trees.

3.

Learned State counsel submits that CWP-PIL-392-2025 is pending before this Court and as per interim orders of the Court, respondent cannot grant permission for felling trees. 4.

Faced with this, learned counsel for the petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the petition with liberty to avail remedies as permissible by law.

5.

Dismissed as withdrawn with aforesaid liberty. 6.

Pending application(s), if any, stands disposed of. (JAGMOHAN BANSAL) JUDGE April 30, 2026 Deepak DPA Whether Speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.04.30 17:40 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document