JUDGMENT

P.R. Ramchandra Menon, C.J. - Encroachment into the forest lands by the strangers, with intent to establish their right in due course and claim title, and the lethargy on the part of the State/officials concerned in taking appropriate remedial measures, simultaneously taking steps to allot forest lands to the persons of choice of the respondent State, are highlighted in this writ petition filed as a 'public interest litigation'.

2. The petitioner has produced various records including reports submitted by the respondent No.11- National Tiger Conservation Authority and other statutory bodies, which virtually support the case projected by the petitioner. The relevant photographs show the lie and location and also the plight of the area as it remains as on date. When the matter came-up for consideration before this Court on 6.9.2019, we admitted the writ petition and passed the following order:-

"......After hearing learned counsel for the Petitioner and after going through the materials and records, we find that the view that the matter requires urgent attention.

In the said circumstances, the writ petition is admitted. I.A. No. 2 of 2019, application for waiver of the locu