Muttil tree-felling case: Forest department denies reports of delay in submitting information to court

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The Kerala Forest department has denied reports by a section of the media that it delayed submitting information to the court in connection with the Muttil rosewood tree-felling case.

According to the department, investigation in all 51 tree-felling cases registered under the South Wayanad Forest Division has already been completed. In an official release, it stated that when some of the accused moved the Kerala High Court seeking the dismissal of the cases, the department submitted its response within the stipulated time. The court has adjourned the cases to July 9, 2026.

The department also stated that the Sulthan Bathery Magistrate Court had granted permission for the immediate auction of the seized materials, including the timber stored in the Forest department depot, after considering the possibility of deterioration. Moreover, the Kalpetta District Court upheld the department’s order to confiscate the timber in favour of the government.

The accused subsequently filed multiple petitions before the High Court to prevent the confiscation and auction of the timber. When the matter came up before the court, it granted a stay in six cases.

The department added that it has adopted steps to ensure strong representation in the case. The assistance of the Director General of Prosecutions and the Special Government Pleader has been sought to vacate the stay orders.