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Case Overview

Case Name: In Re: Delhi Ridge

The Supreme Court of India led by Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran, delivered a landmark ruling emphasizing the protection of the Delhi Ridge, an essential ecological zone acting as the city’s “green lungs.” The Court expressed deep concern over the lack of progress in restoring the ridge since 1995 and directed the Union Government (MoEF&CC) to grant statutory status to the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) for effective governance and environmental accountability .

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Key Aspects

The Court observed that despite three decades of judicial oversight, the conservation of the Ridge and Aravalli extension remains inadequate . The case highlighted lapses in official responsibility and ongoing ecological degradation in Delhi .

• Of the total 7,784 hectares, only 103.48 hectares (1.33%) are notified as reserved forest .
• The Supreme Court criticized both GNCTD and MoEF&CC for their slow response in protecting the Ridge .
• The Court emphasized the Ridge’s ecological role as the “green lungs of Delhi.”
• It directed reconstitution of the DRMB as a single-window authority to manage Ridge protection, afforestation and restoration .

Legal Insights

The ruling is rooted in environmental protection laws and constitutional principles ensuring sustainable development and judicial oversight .

• Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 empowers the government to constitute authorities like the DRMB .
• Section 14 and Section 22 of the NGT Act, 2010- Court referred to Section 14 and Section 22 of the NGT Act, 2010 allowing judicial scrutiny of DRMB’s actions .
• Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution of India -The Court reinforced Articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution empowering High Courts to oversee statutory bodies .
• The case aligns with the principles of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Article 48A, mandating State responsibility to protect the environment .

Court’s Verdict

The Supreme Court directed the MoEF&CC to issue a notification granting statutory status to the Delhi Ridge Management Board (DRMB) and to reconstitute it with representatives from the Central and Delhi governments, NGOs and experts . The DRMB must ensure removal of encroachments, scientific restoration and periodic reporting to the Court . The bench reaffirmed that the Ridge’s protection is vital for Delhi’s environment and future generations .

Source-Supreme Court of India 

Read also- Constitution of India 

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