GOPINDER SINGH vs FOREST DEPARTMENT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH AND ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Financial Commissioner regarding the denial of nautor land to Gopinder Singh, citing Rule 7 of the Himachal Pradesh Nautor Land Rules, 1968, which outlines eligibility criteria for nautor land grants. The Court found that Gopinder Singh was ineligible due to his economic status as a government teacher earning more than Rs.650 per month and for felling trees without necessary approvals. The dismissal of his writ petition by the Himachal Pradesh High Court was affirmed, resulting in the upholding of the Financial Commissioner's order to resume the land to the State and refund the Nazarana paid.