IN THE HIGH COURT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, SHIMLA C.W.P. No.993 of 2001 Decided on 9.3.2010 Court on its own motion ….Petitioner Versus State of H.P. and ors …Respondents Coram The Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kurian Joseph, Chief Justice The Hon’ble Mr. Justice R.B. Misra, Judge. For the Petitioner: Mr. N.K. Sood, Advocate For Respondents Mr. R.K. Bawa, AG with Mr. J.K. Verma 1 to 5. Dy. AG. For respondents 6 to 16 Mr. G.D. Verma, Sr. Advocate with Mr Romesh Verma, Advocate. Justice Kurian Joseph, C.J. (Oral) This writ petition was registered suo motu by this Court on the basis of a complaint made by the Pradhan of Gram Panchayat, Rouri. The issue pertains to the alleged encroachment made by certain people in respect of forest lands. Going by the replies furnished by the Revenue and Forest Departments, there appears to be a conflicting stand. There are decrees of the civil court which have become final also as far as certain occupants are concerned. Be that as it may, in view of the apparently conflicting stands between the two departments, it will be appropriate that the Chief Secretary of the State of HP looks into the matter. Therefore, we direct the Chief Secretary to the State of HImachal Pradesh to look into the matter with reference to the records made available in the writ petition and the replies furnished by the Revenue and Forest Departments and also by respondents 6 to 16 and take appropriate action thereon in accordance with law to safeguard the interest of the State with notice also to the affected parties, if any. The needful as above, shall be done within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the copy of the judgment. In case the Chief Secretary requests for any of the papers which are not available with the departments concerned, the Registry shall furnish the same to the Chief Secretary. Report on the action thus taken by the Chief Secretary shall be furnished to this court for perusal within a period of four months from today. Writ petition is disposed of. Copy Dasti. ( Justice Kurian Joseph ), Chief Justice March 9, 2010(sl/s) ( Justice R.B. Misra ), Judge