HC stays auction of timber seized in Muttil tree felling case

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Saturday stayed the action to auction the trees seized in the Muttil tree felling case. The Sultan Bathery Magistrate Court had earlier given permission to auction the trees valued at Rs 4 crore. The high court has now issued an order on the plea filed by the accused Roji Augustine against this. The high court has also clarified that no further action should be taken until a decision is taken on the review plea.

The controversial Muttil tree felling in the state happened during 2020 and 2021. The investigation team had submitted the charge sheet in this case to the court. The forest department had approached the Sultan Bathery Magistrate Court seeking permission for auction citing that prolonged exposure to rain and sunlight could reduce the market value of the timber which are government’s property.

Based on the court's directive, the investigation team and the forest department jointly took stock of the trees and informed them. Permission was then given to auction them on June 16. The high court has now stayed the order. Roji Augustine, Josukutty Augustine and Anto Augustine of Vazhavatta are the accused in the case.