SC orders halt on tree felling in forest ridge near Delhi University

The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice on a contempt of court petition regarding the cutting of a large number of trees in the forest ridge near Delhi University.

A bench comprising Justice AS Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan ordered that, in the interim, authorities refrain from further felling and maintain the status quo at the site in question.

Justice Oka added that if the court is satisfied, it may consider ordering the replanting of trees in the area.

“Issue notice in both matters. The first respondent is to remain present at the next date of hearing, notice to be served by all modes including dasti. Respondents are instructed not to engage in any further tree felling and to maintain the status quo regarding the subject properties,” the Court said.

During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the petitioner, argued that it was time to examine the constitutionality of the Ridge Management Board in Delhi, which he referred to as the “ridge destruction board”.

“How can cutting be done without the leave of this court?” Rohatgi questioned.

Senior Advocate Guru Krishna Kumar suggested that a single bench should handle all cases related to matters concerning the Delhi ridge.

In response, Justice Oka remarked orally, “The CJI will make the decision. But they cannot take the law into their own hands”.