In a significant environmental intervention, the Karnataka High Court has issued a restraining order against the cutting of trees on the Jnanabharathi campus in Bengaluru. The court's decision comes as a major relief for environmental activists and local residents concerned about the city's diminishing green cover.
Court's Directives and Bench Details
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Poonacha delivered the crucial verdict on November 28, 2025. The bench not only imposed an immediate ban on further tree cutting but also took a proactive step by seeking comprehensive details about the trees that have already been cut or relocated from the campus premises.
The court's intervention highlights the growing judicial concern about environmental conservation in urban spaces, particularly in Bengaluru which has been witnessing rapid infrastructure development at the cost of its green spaces.
Background and Implications
The Jnanabharathi campus, home to Bangalore University, has been at the center of environmental debates recently due to proposed development projects that required removal of trees. The court's restraining order puts an immediate stop to any ongoing or planned tree cutting activities until further notice.
The bench specifically demanded a detailed report documenting the number of trees already removed, their species, age, and the reasons cited for their removal. This information is expected to help the court assess the environmental impact and determine whether proper procedures were followed before undertaking the tree cutting operations.
Broader Environmental Context
This decision comes at a time when Bengaluru has been experiencing concerning levels of environmental degradation, with numerous instances of large-scale tree removal for various development projects. The Karnataka High Court has been increasingly active in environmental matters, recognizing the critical importance of preserving the city's ecological balance.
Environmental groups and citizen activists have welcomed the court's intervention, seeing it as a crucial step toward more sustainable urban development practices. The case also sets an important precedent for how development projects should balance infrastructure needs with environmental conservation.
The next hearing in the case is awaited, where the court will review the submitted report on already cut trees and decide on further course of action regarding the protection of the campus's remaining green cover.
