Today, On 15th October, During a Supreme Court hearing on a road project through a forest hill, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta remarked, “Let’s go by the map,” sparking a fiery exchange with counsel emphasizing the ecological importance and public interest of the site.
The Supreme Court of India witnessed a lively courtroom exchange on a road project passing through a virgin forest hill.
The hearing turned heated as counsel for the case insisted, “not adversarial but in public interest.”
Counsel highlighted the ecological importance of the area, stating,
“This road goes through a hill with 415 species of trees. It’s a virgin forest hill.”
The arguments sparked a direct intervention from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who said,
“Let’s go by the map.”
Undeterred, the counsel responded firmly,
“Mr. Mehta, please let me do it in my own way!”
Mehta clarified the context, stating,
“This photo is of the hill, not where we are building the road. The hill is beautiful no doubt but that’s not the site.”
The bench, amused by the back-and-forth over photos and maps, smiled lightly.
The judges noted,
“Sometimes, these public spirited, environmentally smaller tend to lead also.”
Counsel passionately emphasized the role of public interest litigants, saying,
“Every important order of this Court has come because public spirited people have come forward.”
He added,
“Don’t belittle people who come to court in public interest. Even last time he said—‘who are these people?’ It’s not fair.”
The hearing showcased the Supreme Court’s balancing act between developmental projects and environmental conservation while highlighting the significance of public interest litigation in protecting India’s natural heritage.
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