Delhi High Court Grants Permission To Transplant Trees For Supreme Court Building Expansion Project

The Delhi High Court has granted permission for the transplantation of 26 trees for the Supreme Court building expansion project for creating additional Courtrooms and chambers.

Justice Jasmeet Singh allowed an application filed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) seeking permission for the transplantation.

CPWD had filed an affidavit stating that 16 trees were to be transplanted along the periphery of garden between gate A and B and 10 trees were to be transplanted near the corner of Administrative Buildings Complex, adjacent to Gate No. 1.

The court allowed the application in light of the fact that the proposed project pertains to the expansion of the Supreme Court building to accommodate additional courtrooms, including a dedicated Constitutional Court, as well as chambers for judges and essential facilities for lawyers and litigants.

Justice Singh directed CPWD to file an affidavit of a responsible officer indicating the status of the 26 transplanted trees that they are being taken care of.

“The applicant shall also obtain necessary permissions from the concerned municipal authorities to see if more trees can be planted on the road leading to the Hon'ble Supreme Court as the same was enveloped with fully grown trees till some years ago (before the Sundar Nagar Road expansion),” the Court said.

It added that the concerned tree Officer shall depute a responsible officer at the time of pruning of the trees to ensure that the same is done in a scientific manner to ensure the rejuvenation of 26 trees.

The application was moved in a contempt plea arguing that the officials have not been following the judicial directions requiring the Tree Officers to spell out reasons for permitting the felling of trees.

The contempt plea was filed in connection with the orders passed by the court in a matter concerning preservation of trees in the national capital.

Central Public Works Department (CPWD) was represented by Advocate Sudhir Mishra assisted by Adv. Petal Chandhok.

Title: BHAVREEN KANDHARI v. SHRI C. D. SINGH AND ORS.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 419

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