The civil court in Pune is poised to deliver a crucial decision on December 12 regarding a petition filed by environmental activists, questioning the municipal commissioner’s alleged conflict of interest in approving tree-cutting activities.
Activists Ameet Singh, Hema Chari, Rupesh Kesekar, and others presented their plea on Monday, seeking clarification on the ethical stance of the municipal commissioner in granting approvals for tree felling. The lawyer representing the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) argued that the civil court lacked jurisdiction over the matter, suggesting that it falls under the purview of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The activists, in response, presented a counterargument contesting this claim.
The court, taking into account the arguments from both sides, has scheduled the case for a final decision on December 12. The activists, apart from questioning the legality of the tree-felling approval, have also raised concerns about the civic chief’s association with departments that necessitate such approvals.
