Supreme Court Emphasizes Judicial Propriety in Delhi Ridge Tree Felling Cases

The Supreme Court highlighted the importance of judicial propriety by suggesting all cases related to the felling of trees in Delhi's ridge area be heard by one bench to avoid conflicting orders. Two contempt proceedings, initially handled by different benches, are now directed to be unified under the Chief Justice's review.

The Supreme Court has stressed the need for 'judicial propriety' regarding multiple cases on tree felling in Delhi's ridge area. On Wednesday, the court advised that one bench should oversee all related matters to prevent conflicting judicial orders.

Justice B R Gavai remarked that ideally, the subsequent bench should have sought clarification from the Chief Justice of India before initiating parallel contempt proceedings. The ridge area, crucial for its environmental significance, has prompted judicial scrutiny following unauthorized tree felling.

The matter has now been referred to the Chief Justice for appropriate direction, with the court opting not to proceed further with proceedings already advanced by another bench. This step aims to maintain judicial consistency and uphold environmental protection in the capital.