Illegal Tree Felling: Supreme Court Demands Delhi Lt Governor’s Response

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

The Supreme Court has asked Delhi’s Lt Governor VK Saxena to submit a personal affidavit regarding the illegal tree felling case.
Over 1,100 trees were cut in South Delhi’s ridge forest in February 2024 without permission.
The court has ordered the Lt Governor to determine responsibility and report on disciplinary actions taken.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to file a personal affidavit in response to allegations of illegal tree felling in February 2024. Over 1,100 trees were felled in South Delhi’s ridge forest without proper permission, sparking controversy. The court further instructed the Lt Governor to clarify the actions taken against responsible officials and provide details of any disciplinary measures initiated.

The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, noted that the tree felling began on February 16, and no application for permission was filed before the court. It was highlighted that 523 trees were cut in an area where approval from the Centre and the court was required.

The petitioner’s counsel, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, accused the Lt Governor of issuing the order for the tree felling. However, VK Saxena’s counsel, Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, countered these claims, stating that Saxena visited the site on February 3 but did not order the trees to be cut. The court inquired if the Lt Governor was informed about the requirement for court approval and what steps were taken thereafter.

The court also raised concerns over the disposal of timber from the felled trees and what measures were implemented to restore the ecological balance.

In June 2024, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai formed a three-member fact-finding committee to investigate the cutting of 1,100 trees in the ridge forest. The Supreme Court has asked Lt Governor Saxena to proceed with disciplinary or criminal actions if deemed necessary and to submit a report by October 22.