In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India has issued a notice to the Delhi Police following allegations of harassment against a city resident involved in the contentious tree felling case involving the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The petitioner has sought contempt action against the DDA, accusing them of unauthorized tree felling in the ridge forest area, despite a court order prohibiting such actions.
The controversy gained traction after senior advocates representing the petitioner highlighted alleged intrusive police inquiries into both the petitioner and the New Delhi Nature Society, including requests for detailed bank account information from their financial institution. These actions have sparked concerns of intimidation and undue scrutiny, drawing the attention of the apex court. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court had initiated officials to contempt proceedings against the Vice Chairman of the DDA for the alleged unauthorized cutting of 1,100 trees as part of a road widening project in the ridge forest. The court had previously admonished the DDA for failing to disclose crucial details about the project, including the visit of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to the site where tree felling occurred. The petitioner’s contention revolves around the claim that despite a specific court order dated March 4 prohibiting any tree felling activities by the DDA, trees were unlawfully cut, and this information was allegedly concealed from the court. The DDA had originally applied for permission to fell 1,051 trees, but proceeded with the action prior to receiving court approval, leading to accusations of flouting legal procedures and court directives.
The Supreme Court’s notice to the Delhi Police marks a pivotal step in addressing the broader implications of the case, including issues of environmental governance, procedural compliance, and the protection of civil liberties. The scrutiny into alleged harassment and intrusive actions against the petitioner underscores the complexities surrounding environmental activism and the legal safeguards necessary to ensure accountability and transparency in public projects. As the legal battle unfolds, stakeholders await further developments in what has become a critical test case for environmental protection and judicial oversight in India’s capital city.