Vir Prakash vs Govt. Of N.C.T. Of Delhi - Illegal Tree Felling
Summary
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of an application concerning the illegal felling of trees in Delhi. The NGT directed the Deputy Conservator of Forests to diligently prosecute the matter and ensure appropriate action against violators of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.
What changed
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of Original Application No. 60/2025, which alleged illegal felling of trees in Delhi. Reports from the Deputy Conservator of Forests confirmed violations of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, leading to the registration of offences and initiation of prosecution against individuals involved in the illegal pruning and felling of trees. The Tribunal's order directs the Deputy Conservator of Forests to diligently pursue the prosecution and ensure accountability for the violations.
This ruling signifies that regulatory action has been initiated and is progressing against the identified violators. Compliance officers should note that the NGT is actively overseeing environmental protection matters, and failure to comply with tree preservation laws can lead to formal prosecution. The directive to the DCF emphasizes the need for diligent enforcement and appropriate action, underscoring the importance of adhering to environmental regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
What to do next
- Ensure diligent prosecution of the matter by the DCF, North.
- Ensure appropriate action is taken against the violators of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.
Source document (simplified)
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Vir Prakash vs Govt. Of N.C.T. Of Delhi on 20 March, 2026
Item No. 18 Court No. 1
BEFORE THE NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL
PRINCIPAL BENCH, NEW DELHI
Original Application No. 60/2025
(IA No 193/2026)
Vir Prakash Applicant
Versus
Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi & Ors. Respondent(s)
Date of hearing: 20.03.2026
CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE PRAKASH SHRIVASTAVA, CHAIRPERSON
HON'BLE DR. AFROZ AHMAD, EXPERT MEMBER
Applicant: Mr. Sandeep Bhardwaj, Adv. for Applicant
Respondents: Ms. Jyoti Mendiratta & Ms. Ananya Basudha, Advocates for DCF, North,
GNCTD with Mr. Sarosh Ali & Mr. Nirnay Singh, LO, DCF (North), Delhi
ORDER 1. In this original application, the Applicant had alleged illegal felling of
tree from Plot No. 538 in December 2023. The Applicant had further alleged
that on 10.01.2025 again about 15 to 23 trees were cut and the timber was
loaded and taken away by 8 to 10 persons. The Applicant had alleged
involvement of one Bhanu Prakash Khatri in this incident.
- In compliance of the direction of the Tribunal, the first report dated
15.09.2025 was initially filed by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, North
disclosing the illegal pruning of six trees in violation of the provisions of
the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 and registration of offence in this
regard and issuance of notice to Shri Bhanu Prakash Khatri and Rajeev
Khatri. The reply further reflects that the statements of the Applicant and
alleged offenders were recorded and FIR has been lodged under the
provisions of section 8 of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 by P.S.
Narela and the prosecution under section 24 of the Act has been initiated. 1
- The additional report dated 12.12.2025 has been filed by the Deputy
Conservator of Forests, North, GNCTD further disclosing that on
21.01.2025 on the inspection of the site of offence at Plot No. 538 near Arya
Samaj Mandir, Village Bankner, Narela, Delhi illegal felling of one neem
tree in violation of the provisions of the [Delhi Preservation of Trees Act,
1994](https://indiankanoon.org/doc/68081923/) was found, therefore, offence has been registered against Saurabh
Khatri and Dharamvir Khatri.
- The above reports of DCF reveal that the requisite action has already
been initiated. Therefore, we dispose of the OA directing the DCF, North to
diligently prosecute the matter and ensure appropriate action is taken
against the violators.
Prakash Shrivastava, CP
Dr. Afroz Ahmad, EM
March 20, 2026
Original Application No. 60/2025
(IA No 193/2026)
dv 2
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