On Tuesday, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal from the Delhi Police challenging the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) decision to deny permission for the construction of temporary quarters for personnel along the Yamuna river banks.

Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, constituting the bench, disagreed with the appellant's argument that the NGT had made an error in denying permission. The bench emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and asserted that construction along the Yamuna riverbanks cannot be allowed.

Justice Oka also referenced the floods of the previous year, highlighting the need to take steps to safeguard the environment, particularly considering the proximity of the Supreme Court premises to the river.

In its 2015 directive, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) issued an order forbidding any construction activities within the designated floodplain. The NGT specifically instructed a Principal Committee to identify all current structures situated on the demarcated floodplain.

Case: Commissioner of Police, Delhi Vs UOI,

Diary No. 44256 of 2023.