On Tuesday(14th May),The Supreme Court criticized the Delhi Development Authority for disregarding a previous order to halt tree felling near Delhi University, with Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan indicating further discussion on May 16, potentially involving criminal contempt.
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NEW DELHI: On Tuesday(14th May),The Supreme Court criticized the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for its disregard of a previous court order to maintain the status quo regarding tree felling in specific areas, including the forest ridge near Delhi University. The Court expressed its concern over the DDA’s actions and questioned the possibility of criminal contempt. Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan presided over the hearing, emphasizing that they would address this issue further on May 16.
The Court demanded the personal presence of Shri Subhasish Panda, the Vice-Chairman of the DDA, in the subsequent hearing. Additionally, the Vice-Chairman was instructed to submit a personal affidavit outlining the steps that would be taken to restore the trees that were unlawfully felled, despite the Court’s previous directives. Furthermore, the Court requested detailed information regarding the officers responsible for authorizing the tree felling.
“We anticipate Shri Subhasish Panda, Vice-Chairman of the DDA, to provide an approximate number of trees felled, along with the names of DDA officers who authorized the tree cutting. Additionally, he should identify the officers who granted permission to the contractor for tree felling and specify when the process commenced. The physical attendance of Shri Subhasish Panda, Vice-Chairman of the DDA, is compulsory.”
-the Court’s order on May 14 stated.
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The Court addressed a series of contempt petitions that raised concerns over the DDA’s extensive tree felling activities. On May 9, the Court issued a notice in response to one of these petitions and directed the authorities to cease any further tree felling in the area. During the recent hearing, the Court also extended the operation of this interim relief.
“Meanwhile, the interim relief previously granted by this Court shall remain in effect.”
-the Court emphasized.
Regarding another contempt petition, the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the DDA’s counter-affidavit filed on May 13 and directed the authority to submit a supplementary counter-affidavit within a fortnight. The Court specifically requested clarification on whether any expert opinion was sought prior to the removal of “dead vegetation and dried stems” from the area where the tree felling occurred.
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for July 9.
The petitioners were represented by Senior Advocates Huzefa Ahmadi and Madhavi Divan, alongside advocates Ranjeeta Rohatgi, Nikhil Rohatgi, Ankit Shah, and Manan Verma.
ALSO READ: Delhi HC: Contempt Verdict for Using Forged Document to Cut Tree
The DDA was represented by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, who presented the authority’s perspective during the proceedings.
CASE TITLE:
Bindu Kapuria v. Subhasish Panda