The order in this regard was issued by a division bench comprising Justices M Sashidharan Nambiar and P Bhavadasan on a petition by the plantation company to cut old rubber trees from its estates in Kollam, Pathnamthitta, Kottayam and Thrissur districts.
The bench made it clear that no trees should be cut from the forest area.
HML was also directed to furnish a bank guarantee of Rs 20 crore before the High Court Registrar before cutting the trees.
The bench also directed forest officials to ensure strict supervision when the trees are cut.