IN RE: vs SH. PRAVAKAR BEHERA, DFO, PURI DIVISION

The Supreme Court addressed the contempt of court proceedings against Pravakar Behera, the Divisional Forest Officer, for granting licenses to saw mills in violation of the Orissa Saw Mills and Saw Pits (Control) Act, 1991, and the Court's prior order prohibiting unlicensed saw mills. The Court emphasized that the licenses were granted despite clear prohibitions, thus undermining the enforcement of forest protection measures. The Court held the respondent in contempt and directed compliance with the law and previous orders, reinforcing the importance of adhering to statutory regulations regarding forest conservation.