The Divisional Forest Officer, Munnar vs P.J. Antony, Etc

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to set aside the order of confiscation of sandalwood trees under the provisions of G.O (MS) No. 126/773/AD, Agriculture (Forest) Department, dated 03.04.1973. The Court emphasized that the Forest Department must act in accordance with the applications made by the landowners for the auction of dried and fallen sandalwood trees. The judgment reinforced the rights of landowners to receive a share of the proceeds from the auction, affirming the legality of the certificates issued by the Village Officer regarding the sandalwood trees.