New Delhi: The Delhi High court contempt action has once again highlighted the importance of protecting trees in New Delhi. The Delhi High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against two former forest officials after finding that permission to cut two fully grown trees in Greater Kailash Part-II (GK-II) was granted without following earlier court directions. The case underlines the judiciary’s strict stand on environmental protection and accountability of public officials.
Details of HC Ruling on Delhi GK-II Tree Felling Row
The Delhi High Court found former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) CD Singh and former Tree Officer Mandeep Mittal guilty of prima facie contempt for allegedly violating previous court orders related to tree-felling permissions. Justice Jasmeet Singh observed that despite repeated judicial directions, the officials continued granting permission to cut trees without properly applying their minds or recording detailed reasons.
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The Court has directed both officers to file affidavits explaining why they should not face punishment, which may include imprisonment for up to six months or a monetary fine under the Contempt of Courts Act. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 2.
Background Of The Delhi GK-II Tree Felling Row
The matter arose from a petition filed by Harsh Vardhan, who alleged that two mature trees standing outside a property in Greater Kailash Part-II were cut down to facilitate construction. According to the petition, the permission order issued in February 2023 merely stated that the trees were located near the entrance of a proposed building. It did not provide any scientific or legal justification for allowing the trees to be felled.
Court Found Permission Was Not Properly Justified
Justice Jasmeet Singh said the explanation given by the Tree Officer was not satisfactory. The Court pointed out that the trees stood on a public pavement rather than inside the property’s boundary wall. Therefore, their removal required careful consideration, especially in light of earlier judicial safeguards.
The judge remarked that if such weak reasoning became acceptable, many tree-lined roads in Delhi could eventually lose their greenery.
Delhi GK-II Tree Felling Row: Earlier Court Directions Were Ignored
The Court recalled that in an earlier contempt case, the concerned officials had assured the High Court that future permissions for tree cutting would include:
Proper Inspection Of Every Tree
Officials were expected to personally inspect every tree before granting permission.
Written Reasons For Approval Or Rejection
Every order had to clearly explain why permission was being granted or refused.
Photographic Evidence
Photographs of each tree were required to be attached with the permission order to ensure transparency.
However, according to the Court, these safeguards were ignored while approving the cutting of the two trees in GK-II.
Court Also Raised Questions Over Administrative Accountability
Justice Jasmeet Singh observed that responsibility did not rest only with the Tree Officer. The Court said the then Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, being the administrative head of tree officers, was equally responsible for ensuring compliance with judicial directions. The Court also noted that no response affidavit had been filed despite the seriousness of the allegations, which further strengthened concerns about official accountability.
What Happens Next?
Both former officials must submit affidavits explaining why contempt penalties should not be imposed.
The High Court will examine their responses during the next hearing on September 2, after which it will decide whether further punishment is warranted.
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