Indian Judiciary: Retired officers' letter to the Chief Justice against the Forest and Wildlife Committee

A group of retired Indian Civil Service officers has raised serious concerns over the functioning of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) and has written an open letter to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), questioning its impartiality and composition.

The officers objected to the structure of the current CEC, which was reconstituted in 2023 and now includes four former government officers but lacks any independent experts. The letter points out that this change could compromise the neutrality and effectiveness of the committee, particularly in matters relating to forests and wildlife conservation.

The CEC was originally formed in 2002 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in accordance with a Supreme Court order. At the time, the committee included two non-government officers, ensuring independent oversight and impartial decision-making. However, the retired officers argue that the 2023 restructuring has resulted in a committee made up solely of individuals with past affiliations to government, which could hinder objective advice to the apex court.

In their letter, the retired officers questioned how the Supreme Court could rely on the current committee for unbiased guidance. They emphasized the need for an external, independent expert to provide balanced recommendations, especially in light of a case filed in the Supreme Court against the Forest Conservation and Protection Act, 2023.

The officers further urged the court not to consult the present CEC for drafting policies and action plans related to forest and wildlife protection. They cited the recent Maharashtra Bush Forest case as an example where impartiality was allegedly lacking in the verdict, strengthening their call for reform.

In total, 60 retired officers from various branches of the Indian Civil Service have signed the letter, appealing to the Chief Justice of India to reconsider the composition of the Central Empowered Committee and ensure that it includes independent voices to safeguard India's environmental future.