Bombay HC likely to decide on tree authority in June

MUMBAI: The BMC’s plans to commence the functioning of the

tree authority

will have to wait. Citing that tree-cutting permissions for Metro 3 project have been held up for over two years, the

BMC

moved the

Bombay high court

vacation bench on Monday for an

urgent hearing

.

But a division bench of Justice Makarand Karnik and Justice Riyaz Chagla provided no reprieve and asked the BMC to approach the regular bench on June 11.

The HC had, in October 2018, restrained the tree authority from taking any decisions over the appointment of independent nominated experts to the panel.

The HC had allowed the BMC to approach the court after it appoints the members as per the law. In an affidavit, Jitendra Pardeshi, superintendent of gardens, said on April 1, the BMC appointed four

independent experts

. The BMC urged HC to modify its 2018 order so that the tree authority can function. The affidavit relied on a statement by Maharashtra advocate general Ashutosh Kumbhakoni during a hearing last month that “some part of the Metro project was held up for the last two years”. With monsoon approaching, the corporation reportedly wants to cut trees. This was opposed by petitioner Zoru Bhathena’s lawyers.


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