The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has stayed a government order (G.O.) for removing invasive species like Wattle and Eucalyptus in Kodaikanal. A petitioner alleged the G.O. was misused, leading to the felling of native Shola species and destruction of biodiversity in the Berijam forest area. Preliminary inquiries led to the suspension of four forest officials after over 1,200 trees were found felled. The G.O. was intended strictly for invasive species removal to restore native forests and grasslands.