On Friday, July 19, the Supreme Court emphasised the necessity of setting up a mechanism to verify compliance with its orders regarding tree-felling. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih highlighted the importance of ensuring that the conditions imposed by the court, including compensatory afforestation, are being followed, otherwise, the courts would lose control over the issue.
Justice Oka dictated, “This Court has passed orders permitting felling of trees from time to time. We are of the view that it is necessary to create a machinery which will verify whether the work of felling trees is actually carried out in terms of directions issued by this Court and whether other conditions such as compensatory afforestation, etc. are being complied with.”
In January, while hearing a public interest litigation concerning environmental issues in the Taj Trapezium Zone, another bench led by Justice Oka asserted that it would not permit tree cutting easily, emphasising the duty of every citizen and the state to protect trees under Article 51A.
In May, the same bench criticised the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for the rampant felling of trees in Delhi’s Ridge Forest area, violating court orders. The court issued a criminal contempt notice to the DDA Vice Chairman, noting the continued destruction of trees over 10 days.
After reviewing a report by the Enquiry Committee (constituted by the DDA), the bench observed email communications referencing a site visit by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor on February 3, 2024. On July 12, the Court remarked that a “cover up” was underway by the DDA regarding the illegal felling of trees in the Delhi Ridge Forest Area, allegedly directed by Delhi LG VK Saxena. The court also warned that it would consider issuing a contempt notice to the LG.
