Thiruvananthapuram, Alleging that a GO was exploited for large-scale illegal tree felling, Keralam Minister Shibu Baby John on Saturday said the government would consider widening the probe into the 2021 Muttil case in Wayanad.
Speaking to reporters, the state minister for Forests and Wildlife Protection said the conspiracy behind the incident, including the circumstances that led to a change in the official position on tree felling, needed to be investigated. “A decision would be taken in the coming days after a joint examination by the Revenue, Forest and Law departments,” he said. Referring to Jayathilak’s role as the then Revenue Secretary, the minister said the official had initially issued an order against cutting trees but later issued another order reversing that position.
“Can a Government Order override an Act passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly?
“What exactly has been taken from inside the forest is yet to be determined,” he said, adding that the government would take an appropriate position after examining further details. Responding to a question on the accused in the Muttil case, citing the government order as justification for cutting the trees, the minister said a government order could not override a law enacted by the state legislature. That is not possible,” he said, adding that no one could escape responsibility by citing the order. The minister said the government would decide on the further course of action through collective discussions.
