1 CWP-8902-2025 (O&M) 108 IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH CWP-8902-2025 (O&M) Date of Decision: 16.05.2025 RAJESH KUMAR .. Petitioner Vs. STATE OF HARYANA AND OTHERS ..Respondents CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SHEEL NAGU, CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SUMEET GOEL Present: Mr. J.P. Sharma, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Deepak Balyan, Addl. A.G., Haryana. Mr. Abhinav Sood, Advocate and Mr. Nitesh Jhajhria, Advocate for respondent No.12. ... SHEEL NAGU, CHIEF JUSTICE, (ORAL) 1. This petition has been filed by the residents of the concerned village and the grievance raised is that a large number of trees have been felled pursuant to the order dated 20.11.2024 (Annexure P-1). 2. The aforesaid order granting permission to fell trees has been passed under the Haryana Land and Preservation Act, 1900 (Punjab Act II of 1900). It is also not disputed by the learned counsel for rival parties that an appeal lies against Annexure P-1 under Section 18 of the said Act before the Collector, which has not been availed by the petitioner. JATIN 2025.05.19 17:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document 2 CWP-8902-2025 (O&M) 3. In view of the above, and considering that a large number of cases are pending before this Court, this Court declines to interfere in the matter on merits and relegates the petitioner to avail the remedy of statutory appeal before the Collector, Gurugram. If such an appeal is filed within a period of 15 days from today, the same shall be considered and decided on merits by passing a speaking order, without being dismissed alone on limitation. 4. Since this Court had stayed the felling of trees vide order dated 27.03.2025 which shall continue to remain in operation until the Collector decides the appeal. The Collector is directed to decide the appeal within a period of 30 days from the date of its filing, in accordance with law without being influenced by this order. 5. Petition stands disposed of. (SHEEL NAGU) CHIEF JUSTICE 16.05.2025 (SUMEET GOEL) Jasmine Kaur JUDGE Whether speaking/reasoned Yes No Whether reportable Yes No JATIN 2025.05.19 17:04 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document