Delhi High Court Pursues Contempt Charges Against Former Forest Officials Over Unauthorized Tree Felling
The Delhi High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against two former forest department officials for permitting the felling of two mature trees in Greater Kailash Part-II, flouting previous court orders. Justice Jasmeet Singh found CD Singh, the former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), and Mandeep Mittal, an ex-tree officer from the South Forest Division, guilty under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act. This ruling came after they were found to have disregarded court directives issued on April 28, 2022, and May 19, 2022, in a prior contempt matter.
Justice Singh remarked that the officials continued to authorize tree cutting without adequate reasoning or photographic evidence, despite the court’s explicit instructions to assess each tree thoroughly before granting such permissions. The court’s observations were part of an order dated July 22, which also mandates both officers to submit affidavits explaining why they should not face imprisonment for up to six months or be fined. The case is scheduled for a subsequent hearing on September 2.
The court order followed a petition by Harsh Vardhan, who reported that the trees were felled to facilitate construction, contravening the court’s standing orders that required tree officers to conduct inspections, provide clear justification, and attach photographic evidence for any tree felling permissions. The court was informed that the February 28, 2023, order allowing the trees to be cut down only stated their obstruction to a proposed building’s main gate, lacking sufficient justification.
Justice Singh clarified that such reasoning was inadequate, especially since the trees were located on a public pavement, not within the property’s confines. The court stressed that accepting such justifications could lead to the denudation of city avenues. The bench also highlighted that Mittal had assured comprehensive reasoning and photographic documentation in future permissions in a November 2022 affidavit related to a separate contempt case, yet failed to comply in this instance.
Furthermore, the court emphasized the PCCF’s accountability as the overseeing authority for tree officers, noting the absence of a response affidavit from CD Singh, despite the gravity of the allegations. Advocates Aditya N Prasad and Pratyush Jain represented Harsh Vardhan, while Vaishali Gupta, Sumit K Batra, and Priyanka Jindal appeared for the Delhi government. Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish K Dixit, along with advocates Umar Hashmi, Ayush Kumar, and Iqra Shiekh, represented the Delhi Police.
More Read
Legal Representation and Proceedings
The hearing witnessed a robust legal representation on both sides. Advocates Aditya N Prasad and Pratyush Jain advocated for Harsh Vardhan, challenging the permissions that led to the tree felling. On the other hand, the Delhi government was represented by advocates Vaishali Gupta, Sumit K Batra, and Priyanka Jindal. The Delhi Police’s legal team included Central Government Standing Counsel Ashish K Dixit, supported by advocates Umar Hashmi, Ayush Kumar, and Iqra Shiekh.
The case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and holding officials accountable for their actions. As the matter progresses, further developments are anticipated in the upcoming court sessions.
