The HC was hearing a PIL by NGO Vanashakti seeking direction to the BMC to prevent the immersion of idols in the Chhota Kashmir lake, Ganesh Mandir lake and Kamal lake in Aarey Colony.
The top court had allowed MMRCL to approach the tree authority for the felling of the trees in a November 29, 2022 order. But MMRCL, in its application before the authority, sought the felling of more trees than was permitted by the SC order. This application was cleared.
The BMC’s tree authority granted the MMRCL permission to fell 177 trees on March 15, after the MMRCL was allowed by the SC to cut down 84 trees for constructing a ramp for the car shed.
The court said the messages showed the person, instead of obstructing Bhinde, had bonafide intentions to make efforts for preservation of trees at Aarey in the larger interest of society.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjay V Gangapurwala and Justice Sandeep V Marne passed an order in a fresh PIL by environmental activist Zoru Bhathena challenging the March 15 permission granted by BMC's Tree Authority for felling of 177 trees
Environmental activist Zoru Bhathena argues that the November 2022 Supreme Court order applies only to the 84 trees that the metro wanted to remove to make a ramp.
A bench of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha said, “It would not be possible for the court at the interim stage to stay the decision.”
The protests were against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently orders to state Advocate General to submit a proposal on building the car shed in Aarey Colony, instead of Kanjurmarg, the eastern suburb which was chosen by the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government.
Apart from the car shed for Metro line 3, a part of the Aarey Milk Colony -- which adjoins Sanjay Gandhi National Park -- will also be used to create Metro Bhavan, the nerve-centre for the 337-km network which is under construction.
The 100-day vigil: How a custodial death case ended in a state-ordered cremation
India29 min ago
After 100 days, the body of 26-year-old Dalit man Akash Delison was finally removed from a government hospital and cremated under police protection. His family had demanded justice for his alleged death in police custody and refused to accept the body until all 16 involved officers were arrested. Despite actions taken, their demand for accountability remains unmet.
