In a troubling disclosure, the Delhi Forest Department has informed the Supreme Court that a forged tree-felling permit was issued in the name of a senior forest officer, allegedly to clear land in the ecologically sensitive Ridge area of Vasant Kunj for a housing project.
The revelation came through an affidavit submitted by the Deputy Conservator of Forests (West Division), in response to a petition filed by environmental activist Bhavreen Kandhari.
The plea alleges unauthorized construction and tree removal in a protected area—classified as morphological Ridge—without mandatory clearance from the Supreme Court, as required by its landmark order dated May 9, 1996.
“Fake Permission” Issued In Forest Officer’s Name
The affidavit states that it came to the department’s notice that Rakesh Kumar Sharma had been issued a fraudulent tree-felling permit under the name of the Deputy Conservator’s office.
“It is pertinent to mention that it had come to the attention of the answering respondent that a fake permission was issued for tree felling in the name of the office of the Deputy Conservator of Forests/Tree Officer, West Forest Division,” the affidavit notes.
In December last year, the forest officer lodged a formal complaint with the Vasant Kunj Police Station, requesting registration of an FIR. However, the police response raised further concerns.
Police Say Forged Document ‘Illegible’; No Action Yet
According to the affidavit, the assistant sub-inspector (ASI) investigating the case reported that the forged document was illegible and that the alleged site of the tree felling could not be located. The ASI also stated that during questioning, Rakesh Kumar Sharma denied the allegation of possessing or using any forged permission.
The ASI has now asked the forest officer to produce the original copy of the alleged fake permit. Otherwise, the complaint may be closed, the affidavit said.
The forest officer responded in March, confirming that the only copy available had already been provided and no other original exists in the office. This issue has also been flagged to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), with a formal intimation sent on March 3, 2025.
Petition Accuses Authorities Of Ignoring Supreme Court Orders
The petition, which seeks contempt action, alleges that unauthorized construction and land leveling were carried out despite the area falling under strict ecological protection. It further claims that building plans were approved by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi without seeking prior permission from the Supreme Court.
“To the best of the petitioner’s knowledge, no permission has been sought from this court before undertaking the said contemptuous activities,” the plea states.
The petition also alleges inaction by officials from the Forest Department, the Delhi government, and the Ridge Management Board, despite the sensitivity of the region.
Supreme Court To Hear Case On July 21
On May 7, the Supreme Court had issued show cause notices to the concerned authorities, asking why contempt proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 should not be initiated for alleged violations of its 1996 ruling.
The Ridge area, known for its critical role in maintaining Delhi’s ecological balance, is divided into five distinct zones—Northern Ridge, Central Ridge, South Central Ridge, Southern Ridge, and Nanakpura Ridge—each under strict environmental protection.
The case is listed for further hearing on July 21, before a bench led by Justice Surya Kant.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
