Vir Prakash vs Govt. Of N.C.T. Of Delhi - Illegal Tree Felling
Summary
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) disposed of an application concerning illegal tree felling. The NGT directed the Deputy Conservator of Forests to diligently prosecute violators of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, following reports of illegal pruning and felling of trees.
What changed
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has closed Original Application No. 60/2025, which alleged illegal tree felling and pruning in Delhi. The applicant had reported incidents of tree cutting in December 2023 and January 2025. Reports from the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), North, confirmed violations of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, leading to the registration of offenses and initiation of prosecution against individuals involved.
The NGT's order directs the DCF, North, to diligently pursue the prosecution of the identified violators and ensure appropriate action is taken. This signifies the conclusion of the NGT's direct involvement in this specific case, with the onus now on the forest department to ensure legal recourse is completed. Regulated entities involved in tree management or development projects in Delhi should ensure strict adherence to the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994, as the NGT is actively overseeing enforcement.
What to do next
- Ensure diligent prosecution of identified violators by the DCF, North.
- Ensure appropriate action is taken against individuals found in violation of the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994.
Archived snapshot
Mar 21, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
## Unlock Advanced Research with PRISM AI
Integrated with over 4 crore judgments and laws — designed for legal practitioners, researchers, students and institutions
- Know your Kanoon - Doc Gen Hub - Counter Argument - Case Predict AI - Talk with IK Doc -... Upgrade to Premium [Cites 3, Cited by 0 ] ### National Green Tribunal
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
Related changes
Get daily alerts for India National Green Tribunal
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from GP.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when India National Green Tribunal publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.