Authority: High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla
Order Date: 9 July 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Small Scale Katha Industries Association and others, registered as depots under the Himachal Pradesh Forest (Sale of Timber) Act, 1968 and the Forest (Sale of Timber) Rules, 1969.
- Respondents: State of Himachal Pradesh and the Forest Department.
- Issue: Respondent Forest Department is compelling registered depot holders to obtain direct export permits, which petitioners contend is inconsistent with Rule 13 of the HP Forest (Sale of Timber) Rules, 1969.
- Petitioners submitted a detailed representation on 26 February 2026 (Annexure P‑2) seeking a decision; no response had been received.
- Both parties consented to disposal at this stage; the court did not examine the merits of the dispute.
Final Outcome
- The writ petition is disposed of with a directive that the respondent/competent authority must consider and decide the representation dated 26‑Feb‑2026 in accordance with the law and applicable Rules within six weeks from 9 July 2026.
- The decision must be communicated to the petitioners.
- The writ petition and any pending miscellaneous applications are dismissed, subject to compliance with the above direction.
Topics: Forestry Export Permits, Legal Direction