India’s newly appointed Chief Justice of India (CJI), BR Gavai, came down heavily on the Telangana government on Thursday, warning that either the forest area near Hyderabad Central University must be restored or state officials should be ready to face jail time.
A bench comprising CJI BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih expressed strong displeasure over the felling of trees in the Kancha Gachibowli forest, observing that the act appeared to be “pre-planned.” The court questioned the motive behind carrying out the deforestation during the long weekend when the courts were shut.
“It is up to the state — either restore the forest or send your officials to jail,” the CJI remarked. “If you want the Chief Secretary and half a dozen officers to be shifted to jail, we can do that,” he added sternly.
The Supreme Court had earlier, on April 3, taken suo motu cognizance of the tree felling near the Kancha Gachibowli forest and ordered a status quo, barring any further action except protection of existing trees.
Bulldozers, Pre-Planning, and a Holiday Weekend
The bench noted that the timing of the tree cutting — during a three-day weekend — was suspicious and indicative of calculated action by the authorities.
“Prima facie, it appears to be a deliberate move. You took advantage of a long weekend when the courts were not functioning,” said CJI Gavai.
The court also referred to photographic evidence showing that dozens of bulldozers had been deployed for the tree-cutting operation. It underlined that prior permission is required for such an activity, which the state failed to obtain.
104 Acres Affected, 60% Dense Forest
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, claimed that no fresh activity was being carried out at the site and assured the court that previous directions had been followed “to the letter.”
Meanwhile, senior advocate K. Parameshwar, assisting the court as amicus curiae, referred to a Forest Survey of India report using satellite imagery. It confirmed that of the 104 acres where trees were felled, around 60% were either moderately or densely forested.
Warning on Contempt
The bench issued a clear warning:
“If you wish to avoid contempt, it is in your best interest to focus on restoring the forest. We are giving you a heads-up — any attempt at deflection will put the Chief Secretary and others in serious trouble.”
Students Penalized for Protesting
During the hearing, another advocate brought up the matter of students who had exposed the tree cutting and filed an application on their behalf. The court was informed that FIRs were filed against these students, even as university exams were underway. The bench advised that a separate petition may be filed to raise grievances related to the students.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 23, 2025.
