HC Stays Construction of 144‑Metre Link Road in Mashobra Forest Area

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has halted construction of a 144‑metre link road in the Mashobra forest area after issuing an interim order while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Nageshwar Singh Kanwar.

A division bench comprising chief justice GS Sandhawalia and justice Bipin C Negi passed the stay, emphasizing that the matter would be examined further before any permanent decision is taken.

The link road, planned as a connector through the forested region, had been subject to environmental concerns and local attention. The petition raised questions about the impact of the road on the Mashobra forest, an area valued for its ecological significance.

The court’s interim order stays the construction work pending a final hearing. This pause reflects the judiciary’s role in assessing infrastructure projects against forest conservation considerations.

Legal petitions of this nature often arise when development proposals intersect with protected natural zones. The division bench’s action underscores the ongoing scrutiny of such projects by the High Court.

The stay remains in effect until the court determines the next steps. No additional details about the timeline for a final verdict were provided in the order.

Source: Hindustan Times