Summary:
The Supreme Court said on Monday that no more trees should be cleared from the Metro-3 carshed site till it determines whether Aarey Colony can be called a forest, an issue that is already pending with the apex court. The directive to maintain the status quo was given by a special bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Ashok Bhushan. The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation had begun clearing trees on October 4 night, hours after the Bombay High Court dismissed petitions challenging the move. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the state and the BMC said the trees required to be cut have been cut and no more felling of trees is required. Depot Diary Clearing of trees started on Oct 4 after HC dismisses pleas challenging Tree Authority’s nod to chop 2,185 trees at Aarey Action triggers protests and arrests..