In a unique legal scenario, the Supreme Court of India, typically the apex judicial authority, recently found itself as an ‘ordinary litigant’ before the Delhi High Court. The issue at hand was the transplantation of 26 trees that currently occupy the land designated for the planned expansion of the Supreme Court complex.
A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court approached the Delhi High Court with a proposal to transplant these trees, as cutting them without permission is prohibited under multiple environmental laws. This move showcased the Supreme Court’s commitment to following due legal process, even for internal projects, reinforcing the integrity of India’s judicial system.
In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court, through Hon’ble Mr. Justice Jasmeet Singh, granted permission for the transplantation project. According to the approved plan, 16 of the trees will be relocated along the periphery of the garden between Gates A and B, with the remaining 10 being moved near the corner of the Administrative Buildings Complex adjacent to Gate No. 1.
The expansion initiative aims to add new courtrooms, including a specialized Constitutional Court, alongside enhanced chambers for judges and improved facilities for lawyers and litigants. Advocate Sudhir Mishra, representing the Supreme Court Project Division of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), highlighted the project’s emphasis on sustainable and energy-efficient construction practices.
“The Supreme Court expansion project is one of the most energy-efficient, sustainable reconstructions attempted in the capital city for many years,” Mishra stated in an interview with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor of Entertainment and Lifestyle at the Hindustan Times.
Additionally, Mishra informed the court that compensatory tree plantation has already been completed, with 26 new trees planted at Sunder Nursery. The court also addressed procedural issues, noting that the initial order from the Tree Officer was not a ‘speaking order.’ Consequently, the Tree Officer has been directed to issue a new speaking order within two weeks, in line with the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act (DPTA) and previous judicial directives.
