Hyderabad: The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice BR Gavai, again requested the state government on Thursday to restore damaged forests on Kanchi Gachibowlu land adjacent to the University of Hyderabad, or prepare to face contempt proceedings. The court made it clear that the chief secretary and other officials would have to go to jail if the state government wanted to debate or defend its actions rather than carry out restoration work.
The bench said it appears that the ostensibly appeared to be the destruction of the forest was pre-planned by the state government, which took advantage of a long weekend when there was no court to cut down trees.
The bench, composed of Justice Augustine George Masih, is dealing with deforestation cases on Kancha Gachibowli’s land by deploying more bulldozers. The bench clearly shows that the state government is choosing between restoring the forest or wanting to send them to jail.
“You shouldn’t be addicted to this. Using a long weekend, you do all these things. If you have something real, why don’t you start it on Monday? Why do you start it just by starting a long weekend,” Cji Gavai questioned the state government.
He added that authorities have managed to arrange dozens of bulldozers to fall down trees, but did not adopt the necessary environmental cleanup. The court abandoned the state’s argument that there was exemption in cutting small plants and that there was a self-statement provision. “Do you allow it? Why start working on a long weekend,” CJI asked, “Nothing can be heard except for restoration.”
Abhishek Singhvi, a senior advocate representing the state government, believes that there was no activity at the site and assured the court that its directives would be implemented in “letters and spirit.” In addition, he called for the opportunity to propose cases where development and environmental protection can coexist.
Singhway said: “I am here to convince my master that it can be together. Can’t I convince your lord?
Responding to this, CJI observed that this is not a question of compatibility between ecology and IT… “Do you follow the rules and laws before cutting down trees.” In addition, Chief Justice Gavai made it clear that the court’s priority is to maintain the environment and sustainability.
Senior advocate K. Parameshwar, Amicus Curiae, notified the court of the Forest Investigation of India (FSI) after using satellite images to provide a report to the Central Authorization Commission (CEC), which shows that only 60% of the 104 acres of land cut among the trees are medium-high, dense, dense, dense forests.
During the hearing, another advocate said he submitted an application on behalf of the whistleblower-in-law students who wanted to save the forest. He filed a temporary application to revoke criminal cases against students protesting deforestation. He believes students are facing criminal charges and college exams are underway.
CJI said applicants can raise their dissatisfaction alone. “We only care about forest protection. Don’t expand the scope,” the bench said. The court put the hearing to July 23, when the state government must provide reports on the restoration work it has been conducted.
