science π³ CJI on Delhi tree-felling: finding the 'third way'
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant highlighted a Supreme Court judgment from the Delhi Ridge tree-felling case as an example of 'judicial creativity.' This case involved the illegal felling of protected trees for a road to CAPFIMS paramilitary hospital in Delhi. The judgment, from May 2025, permitted the diversion of 2.97 hectares and felling of 152 trees while mandating five times more compensatory afforestation. The court emphasized balancing environmental protection with developmental needs, finding a solution instead of just halting the road. Moving forward, the DDA and Delhi Government must oversee the upkeep of these afforested areas. π³