DDA Guilty Of Contempt In Delhi Tree Felling Case, Relief For Lt Governor
The Supreme Court held the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) guilty of contempt of court in a case pertaining to tree-felling in the Ridge area for a road-widening project to allow seamless transportation to the CAPFIMS hospital. While categorising the authority's act in the scope of criminal contempt, the top court asked the DDA to carry out compensatory afforestation.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh said the deforestation revealed a "troubling pattern" of "institutional missteps and administrative overreach". "Permission was not obtained, orders were ignored and environmental damage was inflicted," Justice Kant said.
The Bench acknowledged the intent of cutting the trees. "The hospital (for which road widening was carried out) was to cater to needs of paramilitary jawans. Ensuring access to quality medical care is not a privilege, but necessity. It is imperative to recognise the importance of such institutions for military personnels and their families. Such individuals remain voiceless," it said.
The Bench also directed the formation of a three-member committee to oversee Delhi Ridge area afforestation plan and ensure thick tree cover on both sides of approach road. Further, an environmental fee of Rs 25,000 was imposed on officials.
The Bench said that to avoid taking "ignorance as a defence", any notification or order on afforestation, road construction, tree felling or any activity with potential ecological effect must mention the pendency of relevant proceedings before the top court.
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