HC directs Tamil Nadu legal services authority to set up `environment fund'

environment-friendly move, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority to set up an "environment fund" to finance tree plantations or to maintain water bodies using the penalty imposed on litigants or donations voluntarily offered by them. While disposing off a petition, Justice D Krishnakumar also framed guidelines for the fund where the amount received from various courts can be deposited. The district legal services authorities can request release of the funds once taluk legal services committees have identified places for plantation and water bodies for maintenance.