Supreme Court Halts Tree Felling in Kancha Gachibowli, Seeks Justification from Telangana Chief Secretary - 2025-04-03

Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Kancha Gachibowli Forest Deforestation Based on News Reports, Orders Immediate Halt

New Delhi, April 3, 2025 - The Supreme Court of India, in a rare move, has taken suo motu cognizance of alleged large-scale deforestation in the Kancha Gachibowli forest of Telangana based on newspaper reports. A bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih convened an urgent hearing today following the mention of news articles by Mr. K. Parameshwar, Senior Advocate and Amicus Curiae in the matter.

Urgent Action Based on News Reports

The court's order reveals that newspaper articles dated April 2, 2025, brought to light extensive tree felling in the Kancha Gachibowli forest. The reports suggested that authorities were exploiting a long holiday weekend to expedite deforestation activities. Furthermore, the forest is reportedly a habitat for eight species of scheduled animals, raising serious environmental concerns.

Swift Directives for Site Inspection and Halt to Tree Felling

Taking immediate action, the Supreme Court directed the Registrar (Judicial) of the High Court of Telangana to conduct a site visit and submit an interim report by 3:30 p.m. on the same day. To ensure the order's prompt execution, the Registrar (Judicial) of the Supreme Court was tasked with communicating the directive to his counterpart in the Telangana High Court without delay.

In a significant directive aimed at preventing further damage, the court explicitly ordered the Chief Secretary of the State of Telangana to ensure a complete halt to all tree felling activities in the Kancha Gachibowli forest area until further orders from the Supreme Court. This order was also to be communicated to the Chief Secretary by the Registrar (Judicial) of the Supreme Court.

High Court Seized of the Matter, Supreme Court Clarifies No Stay

During the proceedings, Dr. A.M. Singhvi , learned senior counsel , appeared and informed the court that the High Court of Telangana is already addressing the same issue. The Supreme Court clarified that its intervention is not intended to stay the proceedings before the High Court, indicating a potential parallel track of judicial oversight.

Matter to be Heard Further Today

The Supreme Court has listed the matter for further hearing later today at 3:45 p.m., indicating the urgency and seriousness with which the court is treating the allegations of deforestation. This suo motu action highlights the Supreme Court's proactive role in environmental protection and its willingness to intervene swiftly based on credible media reports to safeguard natural resources. The developments from the High Court Registrar's report and the subsequent hearing will be closely watched.