Observing that the Mumbai Metro has made an attempt
to overreach the court's jurisdiction, the Supreme Court on Monday directed it
to pay Rs 10 lakh fine within two weeks for felling of trees in Aarey forest
beyond permission.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and
Justices P S Narasimha and J B Pardiwala said it was improper on Mumbai Metro
Rail Corporation Limited's (MMRCL) part to move the tree authority for felling
of any trees in excess of 84.
The top court, however, permitted the company to
remove 177 trees from Aarey forest, saying a stay on tree felling would lead to
the public project being brought to a standstill which is not desirable.
"MMRCL within a period of two weeks should
provide an amount of 10 lakh to the conservator of forests. The conservator
shall ensure that all afforestation which has been directed is completed,"
the bench said.
"We request the director of IIT Bombay to
depute a team for the purpose of verifying compliance. A report should be
submitted to this court in three weeks," it added.
The apex court had in 2019 taken suo motu cognisance
of a letter petition addressed to the Chief Justice of India by law student
Rishav Ranjan seeking a stay on the felling of trees in the colony.