| This submission was made by the government in a counter affidavit filed by Assistant Conservator of Forest, Munnar, a day after the government launched eviction proceedings against Tata Tea. |
| The department claimed that their action was well within the act and rules for conservation of nature and its resources. |
| As per the Land Board Award of March 29, 1974, about 57,359.14 acres of land was given on lease to Tata Tea. The Forest department wanted to find out the data regarding the current extent of area over and above that was allotted to the company, he said. |
| The government alleged that Tata Tea had converted 3000 acres of land and the department wanted to prevent the 'grabbing' of forest land. |
| The department also complained that five forest offences were registered against the company for destruction of trees from 'Shola forest area.' It was also pointed out that an excess of 2573.32 acre of fuel plantation was held by Tata at Munnar. Justice K M Joseph granted time to file reply by July 12. |
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