Environment Protection and Pollution Control

Forests

— Illegal felling of trees — Direction passed in Godavarman (9), (1998) 2 SCC 59, for initiation of disciplinary/criminal proceedings against officers found responsible for significant felling of trees and direction passed in Godavarman (43), order dt. 12-5-2001, to review the action taken against such officials and others found responsible in terms of abovesaid direction in Godavarman (9) — Temporal effect of — Held, the same are prospective — Hence notice issued to appellant forest officer seeking to reopen departmental proceedings that had been concluded favourably in his favour, prior to the passing of Godavarman (9) and (43), quashed — Further, the said notice had not been issued under power of review provided for in Rr. 26 and 27, Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964 — Respondent State directed to consider appellant for promotion and other consequential benefits at the relevant point of time, (2006) 5 SCC 485