Wed Mar 26 05:25:29 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Imposes ₹4.54 Crore Fine for Illegal Deforestation
**New Delhi, March 26, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India has levied a hefty fine of ₹4.54 crore (₹1 lakh per tree) on Shiv Shankar Agarwal for illegally felling 454 trees in the protected Taj Trapezium Zone. The court rejected Agarwal’s plea, stating that the destruction of such a large number of trees is “worse than killing a human being.”
The ruling comes after the acceptance of a report from the central empowered committee (CEC) recommending the substantial fine. While Agarwal’s lawyer, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, admitted to the mistake, the court refused to reduce the penalty. However, Agarwal has been permitted to undertake reforestation efforts at a nearby location. The contempt of court proceedings against him will be concluded upon completion of this reforestation.
The court emphasized the immense time required for regeneration, estimating at least 100 years to restore the lost green cover. The decision also overturned a 2019 order that had relaxed the requirement for prior permission to cut trees on non-forest and private lands within the Taj Trapezium Zone. The court’s strong stance underscores its commitment to environmental protection and the severe consequences of illegal deforestation.
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