NGT Bench Steps Back from Tree Felling Case, Defers to High Court in Bhopal
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) central bench, on Tuesday, disposed of a petition that sought its intervention in the controversial axing of trees for a road widening project in Bhopal. The tribunal clarified that it cannot proceed with the case because the chief justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court is already seized of the matter, adhering to legal protocols to avoid overlapping jurisdictions.
Details of the Road Project and Tree Removal
The issue revolves around the felling of 488 trees by the Public Works Department (PWD) in Raisen during October 2025. This action was part of a project to broaden the Bangrasia-Bhojpur road, located on the outskirts of Bhopal. The trees were reportedly cut down without obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory bodies, sparking environmental concerns.
High Court's Suo Motu Action Based on Media Report
Before the NGT could address the plea filed by environmental activist Nitin Saxena, the Madhya Pradesh High Court took up the matter suo motu. This decision came after the court took cognisance of a Times of India report published on October 28, 2025. The article detailed how the trees were removed without the required permissions from a panel established by the NGT, a nine-member committee set up by the state government, or the designated tree officer.
NGT's Rationale for Disposal
In disposing of the plea, the NGT bench, comprising Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Prashant Gargav, emphasized that the tribunal is not supposed to hear a case when a high court or the Supreme Court is already handling it. Citing the TOI article from October 28, 2025, the bench noted that an HC bench led by the chief justice had directed the registration of a suo motu petition regarding the tree felling for the road project.
The NGT bench stated, "A legal doctrine prevents the same dispute from being litigated in multiple courts simultaneously, to avoid conflict in judgments. Therefore, a further proceeding is not desired by this tribunal. The matter has already been raised before the high court headed by the chief justice." This highlights the principle of judicial efficiency and consistency in legal proceedings.
Guidance for the Petitioner
The tribunal advised the petitioner, Nitin Saxena, that if there are any other issues related to the petition, he could file a fresh plea with the green bench. This ensures that while the current matter is deferred to the High Court, future environmental concerns can still be addressed through proper legal channels.
The case underscores the ongoing tensions between development projects and environmental conservation in urban areas like Bhopal. It also reflects the judiciary's role in balancing infrastructure needs with ecological safeguards, as both the NGT and High Court navigate complex regulatory frameworks.
