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The Supreme Court of India, in a recent hearing, raised serious questions regarding the appointment of Rahul, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, as the Director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand. This appointment was met with significant criticism due to the officer's past involvement in a controversial case involving illegal tree felling at the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The court's intervention highlights the delicate balance between administrative discretion and upholding environmental integrity, especially in protected areas.
The IFS officer's removal from the Corbett Tiger Reserve had stemmed from allegations of illegal tree cutting within both Rajaji National Park and Jim Corbett National Park. The Uttarakhand High Court had taken cognizance of the issue, and the Supreme Court had also initiated a probe into illegal construction within the Jim Corbett National Park. The court's order to form a committee to investigate the allegations underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for transparency and accountability in environmental management.
The Supreme Court's bench, led by Justices BR Gavai, KV Vishwanathan, and Prashant Kumar Mishra, expressed their concerns about the Chief Minister's decision to appoint the officer to the Rajaji Tiger Reserve. They questioned the lack of reasoning provided by the Chief Minister and stressed the importance of applying a rational and informed approach in such appointments. The court pointed out that the appointment raised concerns about the public trust doctrine, which dictates that public officials must act in the best interests of the public, and not solely based on personal discretion.
The court's observation was met with defense from Senior Advocate ANS Nadkarni, representing the Uttarakhand government. He argued that the Chief Minister had the discretion to make such appointments. However, the court's skepticism regarding the appointment, coupled with the amicus curiae's statement that the officer had been previously charge-sheeted, emphasized the ethical and legal implications of the decision. The court's request for the Chief Minister to file an affidavit to explain the rationale behind the appointment reflects the seriousness of the matter and the need for a more comprehensive justification.
The Supreme Court's scrutiny of the Chief Minister's decision and its emphasis on the public trust doctrine underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in public service, especially in matters concerning environmental protection. The court's intervention also highlights the need for a robust system of checks and balances to prevent potentially harmful decisions that could compromise the integrity of protected areas.
Source: Top court raps CM Dhami for posting tainted officer as Rajaji Tiger Reserve director