Today, On 24th June, The Supreme Court issued contempt notices to officials of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). This action follows alleged non-compliance with the court’s previous orders. The contempt notices signify the court’s serious view of the officials’ failure to adhere to its directives.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court, On Monday, issued a contempt notice to four senior officials of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for cutting down trees in South Delhi without obtaining the court’s permission.
The apex court emphasized that it must intervene to send a strong and unequivocal message to authorities who neglect their duty to protect forests and the environment.
A vacation bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated their intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the actions of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) that led to the destruction of numerous valuable trees and the consequent environmental degradation.
The Supreme Court expressed shock over the fact that the trees felled despite the clear requirement for the court’s permission.
The bench stated,
“The court cannot overlook such blatant acts in the capital city,”
The Supreme Court asserted while issuing contempt notices to the involved DDA officers,
“If the authorities fail to fulfil their statutory and constitutional duties to protect the environment, the court must send a clear and emphatic message that such environmental damage is unacceptable. We instruct the vice chairman to inform the court whether there are any official records regarding the site visit by the Lieutenant Governor on February 3 and the details of that visit. We require a clear statement of facts from the vice chairman. If the emails are accurate, it suggests the trees were cut under the LG’s directions. We expect full transparency from the DDA on this matter,”
The Supreme Court announced its intention to direct a significant tree plantation initiative throughout the entire National Capital Territory of Delhi. It requested assistance from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Attorney General R Venkataramani on this matter.
The court further noted that as many as 1100 trees were chopped after the LG’s visit and asked DDA counsel:
“Two documents were placed on record that say the LG was directed to cut trees; how can you run away from this? Are you defending the LG?”
The next hearing scheduled for June 26.
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Previously, the Supreme Court issued a criminal contempt notice against DDA Vice-Chairman Subhasish Panda for permitting extensive tree cutting in the southern Ridge’s Satbari area to build a road connecting Chhattarpur to South Asian University.
The court displeased with what it called a “misleading” affidavit submitted by Panda, which contained “wrong facts.”
Additionally, the court mandated that 100 new trees be planted for each tree that was felled by the DDA.