IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO(S).2493/2026 STATE OF PUNJAB APPELLANT(S)

VERSUS GRAM PANCHAYAT GALHRI & ORS. RESPONDENT(S)

O R D E R

1. The State of Punjab is in appeal before us against an interlocutory order dated 11.02.2026 passed by the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi (in short, the “Tribunal”). Vide this order, the Tribunal has issued interim directions that, though the tender proceedings will proceed, the work of desilting will not be commenced without the leave of the Tribunal. This order is challenged in the backdrop that on an earlier occasion, a purported PIL was filed before the High Court in which an ad interim stay Signature Not Verified Digitally signed by ARJUN BISHT against the desilting process was obtained, but after the Date: 2026.02.28 Reason:

facts were brought to the notice of the High Court, the stay order was vacated on 19.09.2025, even though the PIL proceedings are still pending before the High Court. In a way, it is alleged that there is an attempt at forum shopping to stall the desilting process initiated by the State.

2. We have heard learned Senior Counsel for the State of Punjab.

3. In view of the liberty granted in paragraph 10 of the impugned order, it seems to us that the appellant–State should firstly approach the Tribunal seeking: (i)

preponement of the hearing; and (ii) vacation of stay.

4. The State will be well advised to mention all the facts in its application, including the previous attempt to secure a stay from the High Court in PIL proceedings. Owing to the nature of urgency, coupled with the plea that the desilting exercise for the dredging of rivers/dams/water bodies is already ongoing, we request the Tribunal to pass an appropriate order on the State’s application as early as possible and preferably within a week from the date of its filing.

5. We, however, hasten to add that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits at this stage.

6. Liberty is granted to the appellant to approach this Court again, if so required, after the passing of orders by the Tribunal.

7. The appeal is disposed of with liberty as aforesaid.

..........................CJI.

(SURYA KANT)

............................J.

(JOYMALYA BAGCHI)

............................J.

(VIPUL M. PANCHOLI)

NEW DELHI;

FEBRUARY 26, 2026 ITEM NO.58 COURT NO.1 SECTION XVII S U P R E M E C O U R T O F I N D I A RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS Civil Appeal No(s).2493/2026 STATE OF PUNJAB Appellant(s)

VERSUS GRAM PANCHAYAT GALHRI & ORS. Respondent(s)

Date : 26-02-2026 This appeal was called on for hearing today.

CORAM : HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JOYMALYA BAGCHI HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE VIPUL M. PANCHOLI For Appellant(s) : Mr. Maninderjit Singh Bedi, Advocate General Mr. Gopal Sankaranarayanan, Sr. Adv.

Mr. Shadan Farast, Sr. Adv.

Mr. Rajat Bhardwaj, A.A.G.

Mr. Siddhant Sharma, AOR Mr. Prafull Bhardwaj, Adv.

For Respondent(s) :Mr. N.K Hooda, Sr. Adv.

Ms. Nattasha Garg, Adv.

Ms. Soumya Priyadarshinee, AOR Mr. Thakur Ankit Singh, Adv.

Ms. Kavya Manuja, Adv.

Mr. Pavitra Dixit, Adv. Mr. Archit Sharma, Adv.

UPON hearing the counsel the Court made the following

O R D E R

1. The appeal is disposed of in terms of the signed order.

2. All pending applications, if any, also stand disposed of. (ARJUN BISHT) (PREETHI T.C.)

ASTT. REGISTRAR-cum-PS ASSISTANT REGISTRAR (signed order is placed on the file)