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The Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday inaugurated two Special Courts specifically to deal with Red Sander tree smuggling cases at TUDA Complex in Tirupati.

CJI Ramana said, "Due to lack of stricter laws, nearly 30 to 50 percent of red sanders trees have been chopped off over the last three decades."

Despite the fact that the red sanders forests cover 5,300 square kilometers of natural terrain, the trees have been targeted by smugglers in the last decade or two because of their high demand in the global market, as a result, environmental and law and order challenges have arisen, CJI Ramana added.

CJI Ramana further said that due to high rates of red sander wood and small punishment, the smuggling of the wood has risen. A total of 2348 red sander tree smuggling cases are pending.

"Since the punishment was not severe the smugglers ruled the roost and destroyed the forest wealth," CJI Ramana added. 

To be noted, in the latest amendment, smugglers caught for the first time may be given imprisonment of up to 5 years and Rs. 3 Lakh fine. In addition to this, for the second-time offender, the imprisonment may increase to 7 years and a Rs. 7 Lakh fine.

CJI also mentioned that the amendment came in the year 2016 but no case to date has been registered under the newly amended Act.