Madras HC Warns Officials of Contempt Over Prosopis Juliflora Removal Funds

The Madras High Court has censured Tamil Nadu government officials, particularly at the secretary level, for adopting delaying tactics in implementing judicial orders regarding the removal of the invasive weed Prosopis juliflora, commonly known as seemai karuvelam.

To address the persistent delays in releasing required funds for the state-wide eradication drive, a division bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice K Rajasekar directed district collectors to utilise money available under the mineral funds across Tamil Nadu.

The judges observed that sufficient resources are readily available in the mineral funds, which are under the direct control of the respective district collectors. The bench pointed out that these mineral funds were created specifically for the purpose of ecological restoration and rectifying damage previously caused to the environment.

Acting upon a request made by the court-appointed commissioner, Justice A Selvam, who was designated to oversee the project, the bench directed the immediate release of an initial sum of Rs 5 crore from the mineral fund of each district by the respective district collectors.

The division bench warned the state administration of serious consequences if the order is not complied with swiftly, noting that it would have no other option except to initiate contempt proceedings against the officials concerned if the directives are ignored or appropriate administrative orders are not issued.

The High Court has adjourned the matter for further hearing to September 18.