High Court imposes Rs 50K costs on Punjab, others

Chandigarh, May 1

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed Rs50,000 costs on the state of Punjab and other appellants in a 12-year-old matter. The amount was directed to be deposited with the Dera Bassi Forest Department for ensuring tree plantation drive.

The direction by Justice Fateh Deep Singh came after an adjournment was sought by the respondents. The Bench added the plantation drive would be certified by the District Forest Officer, Mohali.

“Again a request has come about from the side of the appellants’ counsel seeking adjournment when it was explicitly clear from previous order dated March 4 that no further adjournment shall be granted,” Justice Fateh Deep Singh asserted.

The Bench added the matter was already pending for than 12 years. It impelled the court to not only grant a last opportunity for making submissions by the parties, but also impose costs of Rs50,000, which would be equally borne by all appellants. — TNS