STATE OF H.P. vs MANGAT RAM

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of land demarcation and tree felling under the Himachal Pradesh Land Preservation Act, 1978. It held that the felling of trees for agricultural purposes must comply with the regulations set forth in the Act and the accompanying Rules, specifically Rule 4(2)(e) which prohibits clear felling. The Court emphasized the necessity of proper verification of demarcation by the Senior Land Revenue Officer before any felling orders could be issued, thereby upholding the procedural safeguards in place for forest preservation.