CEC companysidering the affidavit of the Chief Secretary of the State Government, submissions of the Principal Secretary, Forest, Government of Orissa and that of the respondent opined that the issue of saw mill licences was in violation of the State Act above referred, the orders of the superior officers and also in violation of the orders dated 30th October, 2002 passed by this Court.
The saw mills at serials 1, 2 and 3, however, filed appeals against the cancellation ordered by DFO.
Despite the aforesaid facts and the abovenoted order of this Court, all the 5 saw mills were granted licences by the respondent contemner.
The saw mills at serial Nos.1 and 2, however, filed appeals against the decision of the DFO, but the appeals were dismissed by the Conservator of Forest.
Considering the recommendations of CEC, companytained in its report dated 18th August 2003, this Court issued suo motu numberice of companytempt to the respondent Pravakar Behera.
These licences were granted during January and February, 2003.
The respondent joined as DFO, Puri Division on 23rd December, 2002.
In reply to the companytempt numberice, the respondent has filed his affidavit.
In appeal, the Conservator of Forest directed the DFO to reconsider their cases.
It attained finality.
The grant of licences in the above manner was brought into the numberice of CEC.
The Chief Secretary of each State will ensure strict companypliance of this direction.
On reconsideration, the DFO again rejected their licences.
While tendering unconditional apology, the respondent has sought to explain that since he joined as Divisional Forest Officer, Puri Division only on 23rd December, 2002, he was number very much companyversant with the latest developments in the management of forest division in general and the order of this Court dated 30th October, 2002, in particular.
We have perused affidavit of the respondent dated 20th September, 2003 and have also heard Shri P.P. Rao, learned senior companynsel appearing for the respondent.
