‘Intransigence’: Allahabad HC Summons Top Officials & Imposes ₹40,000 Costs Over Failure to Geo-Tag Trees

The Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) summoned senior Forest and Horticulture officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary (Forest), for failing to comply with long-pending directions on scientific geo-tagging of trees in the mango belt.

Citing “apathy” and “intransigence” in a 2013 PIL, the Court imposed an additional ₹25,000 cost (total ₹40,000) for non-filing of affidavits and non-compliance. 

Officials have been directed to appear in person on January 13, 2026, with costs to be deposited before the next hearing.