‘Law should be for people,’ says Kerala CM; Govt abandons proposed Forest Act amendments

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that the government will abandon proposed amendments to the Forest Act that are causing concerns among the public. He clarified in a press meet that the government's stance is that any law should be for the benefit of the people.

There are numerous concerns surrounding the proposed amendments to the Forest Act, which were put forward in 2013 during the UDF government. These amendments aimed to criminalise actions such as entering forests or parking vehicles inside the forest with the intention of encroaching. The Chief Minister assured that the government has no intention of proceeding with these amendments without addressing public concerns.

The government is seriously considering the fears of potential misuse of powers that may arise in certain departments. The Chief Minister also emphasised that the government has no intention of passing any law that goes against the legitimate interests of farmers, especially those in the hilly regions. 

He reiterated the government's position that every law should serve the people, and there is no conflict regarding the need for balanced protection of nature while ensuring human progress and survival. This approach, the Chief Minister confirmed, applies to the forest conservation laws as well.