Indian court fines man $5.7M for cutting down 454 trees near Taj Mahal, deeming deforestation worse than murder.

The Supreme Court of India fined a man ₹45.4 million for cutting down 454 trees in a protected area near the Taj Mahal, stating that deforestation is worse than human killings. Each tree cut resulted in a fine of ₹100,000, with the court emphasizing the severe environmental impact and the long time needed for the green cover to regenerate. The court allowed the man to plant trees nearby as part of his penalty.