SC issues criminal contempt notice to DDA VC over tree felling in Delhi's southern ridge

New Delhi [India], May 16 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a criminal contempt of court notice to the Vice Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in the matter relating to the felling of trees in Delhi's Ridge Forest area.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan issued a suo motu criminal contempt of court notice to the Vice-Chairman, Subhashish Panda for violation of the court's previous orders and said that DDA has committed "wilful breach" of the court's directions.
"DDA was fully aware that without permission of this court, not a single tree could be touched. In complete violation of the law and orders of this court, the work was started and completed. This shows that DDA has committed a willful breach of this court's directions. Moreover, DDA was aware of the need for leave from this court. Matter does not end here," said the bench.
The apex court expressed displeasure over the misleading affidavit filed by the vice chairman and the presentation of the wrong facts in court.
It said that felling of trees continued for 10 days and this material fact was suppressed by DDA. It was fully aware that without the permission of this court, not a single tree could be touched, it added.
"The felling continued for 10 days, trees were felled and destroyed. This material fact was suppressed by the DDA. It was fully aware that without the permission of this court, not a single tree could be touched. In complete violation of the law and orders of this court, the work was started and completed. This shows that DDA has committed a wilful breach of this court's directions."
"I have been a judge in constitutional courts for over 20 years now and I have never seen a body misrepresenting facts or filing the wrong affidavits. There has to be some limit, never before seen," Justice Oka remarked.
The bench further took note that the Delhi LG was misled by the DDA officials by not informing them of the correct facts about the felling of trees.
The top court also directed the DDA to stop all further activities for the construction of the road in the area. It further directed to plant 100 new trees for each tree felled by the DDA.
"We are of the view that 100 new trees for one tree felled have to be planted by the DDA. We, therefore, direct the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, to visit the road stretches to find out how many trees may have been cut and assess damages. Entire record of contractor has to be shared. We request FSI team to submit a preliminary report to this court by June 20," ordered the apex court.
The top court was hearing a batch of contempt petitions raising concern over large-scale tree felling by the DDA in the ridge area. It had earlier issued a contempt notice to the vice chairman of DDA for the felling of over 1,000 trees for the construction of an approach road. (ANI)