Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has issued a civil contempt notice to the UP government officials responsible for the illegal felling of 454 trees on Vrindavan Road in Mathura. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oak and Augustine George Masih made it clear that such action is completely illegal and violates the orders of the court. The court stated that the latest CEC report reveals an alarming situation. It is known that on the night of September 18 and 19, 2024, 454 trees were illegally felled.
The court was hearing cases related to felling of trees in and around lands known as the Taj Trapeze Zone (TTZ) in Uttar Pradesh.
The response must be given on December 16.
The Court said that it appears from the report that this completely illegal action of felling 454 trees has been carried out by the persons named therein in violation of the orders of this Court. Prima facie we believe that the persons mentioned in the report are guilty of civil contempt and therefore we have issued notices to them. Which response will be given on December 16, in which he has been asked to show cause why action should not be taken against him under the Contempt of Court Act.
No tree should be felled anymore – Court
The bench ordered that no further trees be felled or any construction activity carried out at the site and that the timber already cut illegally should be handled according to the law. Directed the registry to send the contempt notice to the Superintendent of Police, Mathura, who should direct the SHO to visit the site and ensure compliance with this order. We make it clear that whenever this court grants permission for felling of trees, such activities should not be carried out between 6 pm and 8 am, the court said.
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