CJI Sanjiv Khanna Recuses from Delhi Ridge Tree-Felling Case; SC to Hear Plea on Restoration Measures

Keywords ; Delhi Ridge, tree felling, Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, DDA, afforestation, contempt proceedings,

CJI Khanna Recuses Himself from Delhi Ridge Tree-Felling Case; Matter Listed for November 27

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Monday recused himself from hearing petitions concerning the alleged illegal felling of trees in the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area. This case has drawn significant attention for its implications on urban forestry and environmental conservation.

Recusal Due to Prior Association with Delhi LG

At the outset of the hearing, CJI Khanna disclosed his previous association with Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) V.K. Saxena during his tenure as chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). He stated, “When I was the NALSA chairman, I had toured jails in Patna with the Delhi LG. So, it will not be appropriate for me to hear the plea.”

The bench, also comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar, directed that the matter be listed before a different bench starting November 27, ensuring impartial adjudication.

Background of the Case

The petitions revolve around the alleged illegal felling of hundreds of trees in the Delhi Ridge area, a crucial extension of the Aravalli Hill range and a protected forest zone spanning approximately 7,784 hectares. Petitioners have called for action against officials of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), accusing them of violating environmental norms during the construction of an approach road.

Previously, the Supreme Court had sought a personal affidavit from LG V.K. Saxena in response to allegations of contempt against certain DDA officials. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) reported that 1,670 trees were felled, whereas the DDA claimed the figure was 642.

Top Court’s Concerns and Directives

On November 7, a bench led by the then-CJI D.Y. Chandrachud had raised pressing questions about the restoration and afforestation efforts in the ridge area. The bench emphasized the need for a robust monitoring system to ensure the survival of newly planted trees and queried whether an independent mechanism was in place to verify the extent of restoration.

Key directives issued earlier include:

• Planting 3,340 trees in the ridge area.
• Afforestation efforts amounting to 100 times the number of trees felled.
• Involving experts such as retired IFS officer Ishwar Singh, Central Empowered Committee member Sunil Limaye, and ecological gardener Pradip Kishen in restoration efforts.

The bench also issued a contempt notice to the DDA vice-chairman for failing to prevent the illegal felling of trees.

What Lies Ahead

The Supreme Court has signaled its intent to closely monitor the afforestation and restoration efforts in the Delhi Ridge. The case, now set for hearing by a new bench, could establish important precedents for balancing urban development with environmental preservation.

The case underscores the judiciary’s role in enforcing accountability for environmental violations while preserving ecologically sensitive zones critical to urban biodiversity and climate resilience.

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