The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena, who also holds the office of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) chairperson, to file his personal affidavit by October 22 on issues concerning alleged felling of trees in the Delhi Ridge area. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was hearing a contempt case against the DDA and others over the alleged felling of trees in the area.
After going through the materials on record, the top court noted an ambiguity on certain aspects.
It wanted clarity on whether there was any discussion or intimation to the DDA chairperson on the top court's permission for felling trees during his site visit on February 3.
"In the event of the answer to the one above being positive, what steps, if any, were taken to ensure that the permission of this court was taken," it said.
The apex court further said if the answer was in the negative, when did DDA chairperson learn of the permission required.
It noted the actual felling of trees had allegedly commenced on February 16 even before a plea was moved before the top court and eventually dismissed.
The top court will further be informed about the steps taken for the restoration -- suggested in its orders -- of the ecological damage. "What steps have been taken against the officers for the willful suppression before this court of the fact that the felling of trees took place before the application was filed," it added.
The Supreme Court directed the LG to further inform if any disciplinary proceedings and criminal action were initiated against the erring persons.
The bench posted the case for hearing on October 22 and said that the affidavit be filed on or before the next date of hearing.
The contempt case against DDA vice-chairperson Subhasish Panda and others over the alleged felling of trees in the Ridge area was being heard by a bench headed by the CJI.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan had previously heard the matter.
The earlier bench had issued a criminal contempt notice against Panda for allegedly allowing large-scale felling of trees in the southern Ridge's Satbari area for the construction of a road from Chattarpur to the South Asian University.
It had expressed displeasure over a misleading affidavit filed by the vice-chairperson.
On July 24, another bench of Justices B R Gavai, P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan took note of two separate contempt proceedings pending before different benches over the felling of trees in Delhi's Ridge area and said it believes in "judicial propriety" and does not want any conflicting orders to be passed.
Two different benches were hearing related but separate aspects of the contempt case against the DDA reportedly leading to a potential judicial standoff and possibility of conflicting orders.
After going through the materials on record, the top court noted an ambiguity on certain aspects.
It wanted clarity on whether there was any discussion or intimation to the DDA chairperson on the top court's permission for felling trees during his site visit on February 3.
"In the event of the answer to the one above being positive, what steps, if any, were taken to ensure that the permission of this court was taken," it said.
The apex court further said if the answer was in the negative, when did DDA chairperson learn of the permission required.
It noted the actual felling of trees had allegedly commenced on February 16 even before a plea was moved before the top court and eventually dismissed.
The top court will further be informed about the steps taken for the restoration -- suggested in its orders -- of the ecological damage. "What steps have been taken against the officers for the willful suppression before this court of the fact that the felling of trees took place before the application was filed," it added.
The Supreme Court directed the LG to further inform if any disciplinary proceedings and criminal action were initiated against the erring persons.
The bench posted the case for hearing on October 22 and said that the affidavit be filed on or before the next date of hearing.
The contempt case against DDA vice-chairperson Subhasish Panda and others over the alleged felling of trees in the Ridge area was being heard by a bench headed by the CJI.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan had previously heard the matter.
The earlier bench had issued a criminal contempt notice against Panda for allegedly allowing large-scale felling of trees in the southern Ridge's Satbari area for the construction of a road from Chattarpur to the South Asian University.
It had expressed displeasure over a misleading affidavit filed by the vice-chairperson.
On July 24, another bench of Justices B R Gavai, P K Mishra and K V Viswanathan took note of two separate contempt proceedings pending before different benches over the felling of trees in Delhi's Ridge area and said it believes in "judicial propriety" and does not want any conflicting orders to be passed.
Two different benches were hearing related but separate aspects of the contempt case against the DDA reportedly leading to a potential judicial standoff and possibility of conflicting orders.
You may also like
Centre Approves Rs.35,000 Cr for PM Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan to Support Farmers
'Congress has become a joke': BJP after Omar Abdullah's ally gets no place in J&K govt
'Gorgeous' women's Emporio Armani watch gets a near 70% price cut to £99 in flash pre-Christmas deal
Mum sent daughter heartwarming 8-word text message - hours later she was killed
AIMIM chief Owaisi testifies in Hapur court in 2022 attack case
Woman caught speeding while on cannabis moans road ban would have 'effect on social life'
India Not Playing Champions Trophy Wouldn't Be In 'cricket's Interset' Says ECB Chairman Thompson
Central Government Announces 3% DA Hike Ahead of Diwali; One Crore Employees, Pensioners to Benefit
Newcastle explosion: Boy, 7, dies after flames tear through homes
Telangana HC orders 4 IAS officers to join duties in Andhra Pradesh
'Halloween comet' set to shoot through the night sky may be doomed
Chelsea's fresh injury blow explained as Enzo Maresca facing double decision for Liverpool clash
UP government announces timetable for establishing new colleges and courses for academic year 2025-26
Dominic Solanke set clear Tottenham challenge as Ange Postecoglou 'early days' point made
Neymar shares telling response to Arsenal transfer demand during Frank Warren exchange
Boris Becker turns his back on protege in favour of rival months after coaching split
World's first dog and fox hybrid discovered after animal was run over by a car
Nagaland State Lottery Result: October 16, 2024, 8 PM Live - Watch Streaming Of Winners List Of Dear Pelican Sambad Night Wednesday Weekly Draw
International Day for Eradication of Poverty: A Call for Collective Action
Amazon shoppers find air fryer accessory that doubles cooking capacity for £10