The Supreme Court has issued a civil contempt notice to UP government officials responsible for the illegal felling of 454 trees on Vrindavan Road in Mathura. The bench of Justice Abhay S Oak and Justice Augustine George Masih made it clear that such action is completely illegal and in violation of the orders of the Court. The bench said that the latest report of CEC has revealed a shocking situation. It is recorded that on the night of 18 and 19 September 2024, 454 trees were cut illegally.
The bench was hearing cases related to felling of trees in and around land known as the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) in Uttar Pradesh.
Answer will have to be given on 16th December
The Court said, it appears from the report that this completely illegal action of cutting 454 trees has been taken 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 issue notices to them. The reply to which is to 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 cut further – Court
The bench ordered that no further trees should be cut or any construction activity should take place at the site and the wood already cut illegally should be handled as per law. Directed the registry to send the contempt notice to the Superintendent of Police, Mathura, who is to direct the SHO to visit the Site and ensure compliance with the present order. We make it clear that whenever permission for felling of trees is given by this court, such activities should not be carried out between 6 pm and 8 am, the bench said.
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