THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The then revenue minister E Chandrasekaran directed the controversial order allowing felling of trees. Reports said Chandrasekharan advised action against the officials who block it. The copy of the files related to the tree-felling order have been exposed.

The officials had voiced legal issues before and after the directive, but the documents released indicate that it was rejected and the order was issued. The revenue secretary issued the order following the instructions of the minister.

Meantime, Chandrasekaran responded that the tree felling order was with his knowledge. He said except sandalwood trees planted by the farmers, permission was given to fell trees and no permission was given to fell trees before handing over the land.