Overview
- A July 10 counter affidavit by the Deputy Conservator of Forests revealed that a fake permit was issued in the West Division office’s name to fell trees in Vasant Kunj.
- The department urged the Vasant Kunj police to file an FIR under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Act but the assistant sub-inspector reported the document was illegible and the site untraceable.
- The disputed land falls within a zone protected by the Supreme Court’s May 9, 1996, order, which bars tree removal or land diversion without prior court approval.
- Plot owner Rakesh Kumar Sharma denied authorizing or using the forged permit when questioned by investigators.
- The Supreme Court has set a contempt hearing for July 21 to examine alleged violations of its ridge protection order.