Delhi LG unaware of Court's tree cutting permission: Chief Secy to SC
New Delhi: The Chief Secretary of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, Naresh Kumar, informed the Supreme Court that Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena was not made aware of the necessity to obtain the court's permission for felling trees in the southern Ridge area. This statement was made in an affidavit filed in response to a contempt petition against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for illegally cutting trees in the region.
During previous hearings, a bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that official correspondences suggested the trees were felled following oral instructions from the LG during his site visit on February 3. The court had questioned whether the LG was informed of the court's orders requiring permission from the Tree Officer before cutting trees.
The Chief Secretary's affidavit, filed on July 30, clarified that during the LG's visit to the project site, no officials informed him of the legal requirements to obtain court permission. The affidavit emphasized that directives from higher authorities to expedite project completion do not imply bypassing statutory provisions.
Further complicating the issue, the contractor, M/s Satya Prakash and Bros Pvt. Ltd., submitted that they received emails from DDA Engineer-in-Charge Manoj Kumar Yadav, referring to the LG's visit and instructions to clear trees. The court had previously expressed displeasure with the DDA's handling of the situation, indicating an attempt to protect higher-ups.
The matter is part of a broader legal matter, with Justice BR Gavai's bench also initiating contempt proceedings over the tree felling. The Supreme Court continues to seek clarification on the matter.
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It’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me: Siraj counters Head's comments
Adelaide, Dec 8: Facing severe criticism for his verbal send-off, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has refuted Travis Head's claim of saying "well bowled" during the Pink-ball Test alleging him of gross misrepresentation of what transpired after the southpaw's dismissal.
Siraj's fiery celebration after dismissing Head, who scored a counterattacking 140, sparked heated exchanges, adding drama to the second day of the Pink-ball Test here on Saturday.
Expressing disappointment at Siraj's conduct, Head claimed that he said "well bowled" after being castled by a low toss, a statement the Indian dismissed as a lie.
“It was a good battle. I loved bowling to him. He has batted really well for his 140,” Siraj told Harbhajan Singh during an interaction on Star Sports.
“When you get hit for a six on your good ball, it kind of gets annoying. It ignites your passion. When I got him out, I celebrated but he abused me,” said Siraj.
“It’s a lie that he said ‘well bowled’ to me."
The incident unfolded after Siraj, having dropped the local hero on 76 earlier in the day, conceded a six to him. The Hyderabadi responded immediately, castling Head with a low full toss and celebrating animatedly, while instructing him to walk back.
Head reacted with a few verbal volleys of his own before leaving for the dressing room. Siraj was subsequently booed by the record 50,000-plus Adelaide crowd. The pacer was later seen discussing the crowd's reaction with the umpires.
"You can see what he actually said on TV. Initially, I only celebrated but he was the one who started the conversation. In the press conference, he lied that he said ‘well bowled.’ You can go and check the highlights again," Siraj said.
"We don’t disrespect anyone. I respect every cricketer. Cricket is a gentleman’s game but the way acted after getting out was uncalled for.”
Head's brilliant innings of 141-ball 140 was the backbone of Australia's total of 337 in 87.3 overs, even as wickets fell around him. He played a pivotal role in helping Australia secure a commanding 157-run first-innings lead.
"Well, I said 'well bowled', but he thought otherwise when he pointed me to the sheds. Yeah, I was slightly disappointed with the way that transpired with a couple of the past innings," Head told 'Fox Cricket' on Saturday.
"But, yeah, it is what it is if they want to react like that. And that's how they want to represent themselves and so be it."
Former India off-spinner Harbhajan, who was involved in the infamous Monkey-gate scandal in Australia in 2008, backed Siraj.
"You did right. He (Travis Head) never said ‘well bowled.’ Australians don’t say this to anyone. I have had my fair shares of battles with them in the past. You should be proud of yourself. You were excellent,” said Harbhajan.
