SC Threatens CS With Arrest Over Kancha Gachibowli

The Supreme Court has once again expressed its displeasure with the Telangana government over the Kancha Gachibowli land issue.

The court questioned the felling of trees in the area, and warned that if the environment was not restored, the Chief Secretary and half a dozen other responsible officials could face jail time.

The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih. The bench questioned the timing of the tree-cutting operation, asking, "What was the urgency to cut trees over the weekend?" It noted that the trees were felled in a clearly planned manner, with dozens of bulldozers deployed, and said that the State government must not attempt to justify the cutting of trees.

"Do not attempt to justify the actions of the officials. We are not against sustainable development. But if the trees are not replanted, action will be taken against the Chief Secretary. Tell us how the damage will be remedied. We are holding the State government accountable to this extent," the bench said.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Telangana government, informed the court that all work in the Kancha Gachibowli area had been halted. He assured the bench that IT projects would proceed with due regard for environmental protection. Singhvi also requested permission for the State to submit its rejoinder in the case.

The hearing was adjourned to July 23. The court also reiterated that it was focusing solely on the environmental concerns in this case and would not consider the matter of student arrests under the current proceedings, and suggested that a separate petition be filed on that issue.