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Showing contexts for: Victimisation in Mantu Soni vs Jharkhand Pollution Control Board on 9 December, 2025Matching Fragments
(C) Issue mandatory directions to the Respondent Authorities, including the State of Jharkhand and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest-cum-Head of the Forest Force, Jharkhand, Ranchi, to ensure that no adverse, punitive, or disciplinary action (victimisation) is initiated or carried out against the Proposed Intervenors for performing their statutory duties and submitting a true report confirming violations of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
13. These findings are corroborated by external expert assessments, specifically the Site Inspection Report prepared by the Integrated Regional Office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Ranchi, dated 25.11.2022, which confirmed the user agency was transporting coal by road in violation of Condition No.9. IV. GROUNDS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST VICTIMISATION:
14. The submission of this factual and adverse report has resulted in direct victimisation and administrative harassment against the proposed intervenors by the respondent authorities.
15. The proposed intervenors, who are retired ACFs of the Jharkhand Forest Service, were specifically directed by the Conservator of Forest to enquire into the complaint against the Divisional Forest Officer for failing to take action against the User Agency for Forest Clearance violations.
16. The victimisation is primarily manifested through:
(A) Initiation of Departmental Proceedings: The Conservator of Forests (CF), Territorial Circle, Hazaribagh, issued Office Order No. 45 dated 14.08.2025, directing the respective Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to frame the Memo of Charges against both Proposed Intervenors based on grave allegations of professional misconduct, indiscipline, and collusion.
7. In view of the above discussion, I.A. No. 113/2025/EZ filed by the intervenor-applicants for their impleadment and protection against victimisation is accordingly dismissed.
8. No response has been filed by respondent no. 1-JSPCB so far.
9. Learned counsel for respondent no. 1-JSPCB has submitted that respondent no. 1-JSPCB adopts the affidavits filed by respondents no. 5 and 6 and respondent no. 1 does not want to file any separate affidavit.
10. List on 08.01.2026 for final hearing.