Rongon Mukhopadhyay, J. - (1.) In this application, the petitioners have prayed for quashing the entire criminal proceedings in connection with G.O.C. Case No. 02 of 2011 including the order dated 2.7.2012, passed by the learned Sub Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Simdega, by which cognizance has been taken for the offence punishable under section 33 of the Indian Forest Act.
(2.) The prosecution report discloses that when the informant and others were on patrolling duty on 22.03.2011 at Alingur Protected Forest, it was detected that some trees were being cut under the instruction of the officials of Jyoti Construction for the purpose of electrification work. Some sal stick (Bali) and firewood were seized and the prosecution report was submitted. On 24.03.2011, the informant along with other forest officials inspected the place of occurrence and came to a finding that some trees have been cut down from the protected forest area in Bolwa P.S. No. 62, plot no. 992 and a map was also duly prepared. On submission of the prosecution report, cognizance was taken by the learned Sub Divisional Magistrate, Simdega on 2.7.2012 for the offence punishable under section 33 of the Indian Forest Act.
(3.) Heard Mr. Zaid Ahmed, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr. Rajesh Shankar, learned G.A. for the State.;