New Delhi [India], October 16 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) chairperson VK Saxena, who is Delhi Lieutenant Governor, to file a personal affidavit making a full disclosure on various aspects relating to the large-scale felling of trees in the southern Ridge area.
A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked Saxena to file details in affidavit by October 22 about disciplinary action and criminal prosecution taken against erring officials.
The order of the apex court came on a contempt case initiated by it against the Vice Chairman of the DDA, Subhasish Panda, over the felling of about 1100 trees in southern ridge area of Delhi for road widening purposes.
The bench took into note LG's counsel Mahesh Jethmalani submission that the LG had visited the site on February 3 to expedite road widening process for better acces to a hospital to treat wounded personnel of central paramilitary forces.
However, the bench noting that the material on record was a little "ambiguous", it said that certain factual clarifications are needed and asked the LG to explain whether during his site visit there was any discussion with or intimation furnished to him on the permission required to be obtained from the top court for the felling of trees.
Saxena in his affidavit shall also specifically explain the manner in which the timber of the trees which were felled have been dealt with and indicate whether the timber has been inventoried.
The bench said that he shall take steps to affix accountability in respect of any act of omission or commission by the officials or any third parties involved and posted the matter for hearing on October 22.
The top court was hearing a plea filed by Delhi resident Bindu Kapurea, the NGO and others alleging that trees were cut despite a March 4 apex court order denying permission to the DDA and the fact that the trees had been cut was suppressed from the court.
In May, the top court had initiated a suo motu contempt of court case against DDA Vice-Chairman Subhasish Panda for felling of trees in violation of the apex court's orders in February this year.
In June the bench had noted that LG in his capacity as Chairman of the DDA had approved the proposal for cutting of trees and also visited the site in question.
It had then directed the Vice-Chairman of DDA to apprise it whether there was any record of the LG's visit and initiated the contempt of court proceedings. (ANI)
You may also like
CRPF to Take Over VIP Security as Govt Orders Withdrawal of NSG Commandos
Brits are obsessed with Italians - and want to live like them too
Misbehaviour with woman scribe case: Suresh Gopi moves bail plea in Kerala court
Meghan Markle's influence on Prince Harry laid bare after expert spots clue at outing
Attractive three bedroom home on auction for bargain price of £200K - but there's a huge problem
Sajid inspires Pakistan turnaround after Duckett hundred
Motorists slam 19-mile diverted traffic route - for just 550 yards of roadworks
Youth got opportunities due to PM Modi's initiatives: VP Dhankhar
Anjum Chopra Backs Harmanpreet As India's Best Long-term Captain Choice
'My Son Has Come Back': Actor Darshan Case Victim Renukaswamy's Father After Birth Of Grandson
Towns are revealed where home buyers can save up to £50,000 buying a property
Hot mess: Shraddha Kapoor paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Dhoom 4: Report
Rs 900 crore in Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 account already: Reports
I'm an ex-Archbishop of Canterbury and this is why I changed my mind on assisted dying
Kyle Walker's web of lies that saw marriage crumble - love children and 'secret double life'
Mum shares simple 'porch rule' for naming babies to avoid future regrets
Congress Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala accuses Mahayuti govt of "misleading" people
Ted Cruz bets Texas re-election on transgeder issues
Bangladesh Drop Khaled Ahmed For First Test Against SA; Shakib To Play Final Test Series
Emmerdale Liam's new love interest on soap 'sealed' - and it's not Chas or Ella