On 3 April, 2025, the Supreme Court took suo motu notice, halting further tree-felling and questioning the Telangana Government’s "compelling urgency" for the project and whether necessary permissions were secured
Published Jul 23, 2025 | 6:37 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 23, 2025 | 6:37 PM
Supreme Court relists Kancha Gachibowli for August 13
Synopsis: The Supreme Court on 23 July adjourned the Kancha Gachibowli forest case to August 13, sharply criticising the Telangana Government for large-scale tree felling. Chief Justice BR Gavai, stressing the need for sustainable development, condemned the overnight forest destruction using bulldozers. The bench, also comprising Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi, expressed deep concern over the state’s actions
In the latest development in the Kancha Gachibowli row, the Supreme Court, on 23 July, adjourned the Kancha Gachibowli forest case to August 13, vehemently criticising the Telangana State Government for the large-scale felling of trees in the forest area.
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, presiding over a bench that included Justices Vinod Chandran and Joymalya Bagchi, underscored that while he advocates for sustainable development, it does not justify the overnight destruction of forests using bulldozers.
The suo motu case was initiated by the Apex Court in response to widespread reports of tree felling across 400 acres of forest land in Kancha Gachibowli, Telangana. This clearing, undertaken by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TGIIC), is intended to prepare the land for the development of IT infrastructure.
During today’s hearing, CJI Gavai sternly remarked, “I am an advocate of sustainable development. But that does not mean employ 30 bulldozers overnight and destroy all forest land,” highlighting the court’s grave concern over the environmental damage. However, this criticism of the state apparatus is not fresh; the Court had previously warned the Telangana government of severe consequences, including contempt proceedings and temporary imprisonment for officials, if immediate steps were not taken to restore the lost forest cover.
The court specifically noted that the benefit of a long weekend was misused to initiate the bulldozing of the region. It further stressed that restoration of status quo at the site would be the Court’s first priority, directing the Wildlife Warden of the State to take immediate measures to protect affected wildlife. The bench reiterated that sustainable development must not lead to environmental degradation.
The PIL-petitioners argued that the government’s actions were in blatant disregard of Supreme Court judgments such as TN Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India and Ashok Kumar Sharma v. Union of India, which mandate states to identify forest and forest-like areas. They also contended that no environmental assessment was conducted for the proposed IT park, as required by the EIA notification. The State, in its defence, claimed the subject land was “industrial land” and dismissed the petitioners’ claims as being based on Google images.
The Supreme Court took suo motu notice of the matter on April 3, 2025, issuing an interim order to halt further tree-felling. It had also questioned the State on the “compelling urgency” for such development and whether requisite permissions were obtained. Furthermore, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) was directed to visit the site and submit a detailed report to assist the Court in this complex environmental matter. In a subsequent hearing on April 16, the Court reaffirmed its commitment to protect the environment and ecology, ordering a blanket status quo on tree-felling on the 400-acre land.
Sources in the University of Hyderabad’s administration inform South First that there is a continued police presence in the area following the court’s orders.
During today’s proceedings, Senior Advocate K Parameshwar, serving as the amicus curiae, informed the court that certain private intervenors wished to file responses to the State’s affidavit detailing restoration measures. The Court granted this request, agreeing to re-list the matter for August 13. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared on behalf of the Telangana government.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
