10 April 2024 Environment Protection >> Environmental Law  

A Delhi court has held an individual in contempt for violating its order protecting a tree in Lajpat Nagar. The tree was felled in October 2022, despite a July 2021 court order prohibiting its removal.

The Writ Petition, filed in 2022, sought to prevent the felling of trees at two locations in Delhi. The court order issued on July 7, 2021, specifically protected both trees. However, investigations following the felling of the Lajpat Nagar tree revealed a forged permit was used to authorize its removal.

Contempt of court proceedings were initiated against the party who obtained the forged permit (identified as Respondent No.2). While Respondent No.2 claimed they received permission from a Forest Department official, the court determined this individual was fictitious.

The court found Respondent No.2 in willful disobedience of its order and held them guilty of contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. However, the court avoided commenting on whether Respondent No.2 directly forged the documents, preserving their right to a fair defense in their ongoing criminal case.

A hearing to determine the punishment for the contempt of court will be held on April 30, 2024. This case highlights the importance of respecting court orders and the potential consequences of violating them.

  THE ENVIRONMENT (PROTECTION) ACT, 1986