New Delhi / Hyderabad, May 15, 2025
The Supreme Court has threatened contempt action and even temporary imprisonment against Telangana state officials after finding that the recent clearing of over 1,000 trees in the Kancha Gachibowli area appeared “prima facie pre‑planned.” The bench demanded immediate restoration or face serious consequences.
Court’s Key Observations
- Misuse of Long Weekend: Chief Justice R. B. Gavai noted that the felling began on a long holiday, suggesting a deliberate rush to avoid scrutiny.
- Pre‑Planned Operation: Photographs showed a dozen bulldozers on site. “All this seems pre‑planned,” the CJI said.
- Contempt Warning: Officials were warned of contempt proceedings and possible temporary imprisonment if restoration steps are not taken immediately.
Immediate Restoration Order
- Status Quo Priority: The Court reiterated that restoring the site to its original condition is its “first priority.”
- Wildlife Protection: The State’s Wildlife Warden must act at once to safeguard any displaced animals.
State’s Response
- Need for More Time: Senior Advocate A. M. Singhvi told the Court he had just received the CEC’s spot‑inspection report and needed time to prepare a detailed reply.
- No Further Felling: He assured the bench that all tree‑cutting operations had stopped. “Everything has stopped, nothing is happening there,” he said.
- Prior Clearance Claimed: Singhvi argued that environmental clearance took a year through proper channels and was not obtained over the weekend.
Court’s Tough Questions
- Why the Weekend Start? “If you are bona fide, why not start on Monday?”
- Environmental Clearance:
The CJI demanded to know if proper clearances were in place before the cutting began.
whistleblower Application
- Students in Legal Trouble: A group of 200 Hyderabad University students who protested the felling are now facing criminal proceedings; three FIRs have been registered and some are jailed even as exams proceed.
- School Bulldozed: Whistleblowers also allege that a nearby running school was demolished during the clearing.
- Scope Limited: The bench refused to expand the suo motu petition beyond forest‑area protection but advised whistleblowers to approach the High Court for other grievances.
Next Hearing
The matter is listed for further hearing on July 23, 2025.
Background
- Land Order: In 2024, Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) ordered the conversion of 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli forest land for IT infrastructure.
- Clearing Accelerated: Although acquired in 2012, large‑scale tree felling only picked up recently, prompting protests and PILs.
- High Court Stays: The Telangana High Court first stayed tree‑cutting on April 2, then deferred related petitions to April 24, noting the Supreme Court’s intervention.
- Legal Precedents: Petitioners cite two Supreme Court judgments (TN Godavarman Thirumulpad and Ashok Kumar Sharma) requiring proper identification and assessment of forest lands per the EIA Notification, 2006.
Key Takeaway: The apex court’s stern warning underscores that any infrastructure drive must respect environmental laws and follow transparent, court‑monitored procedures—especially when precious urban green cover and wildlife are at stake.
