The Supreme Court has expressed its displeasure over the non-compliance of its orders dated July 16, 2024, and November 22, 2024, by the Committee appointed by the State of Uttar Pradesh.

The Bench of Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan noted that the State failed to seek an extension for implementing the court's directions, describing the omission as lacking "elementary courtesy."

"Notwithstanding clear orders dated 16th July, 2024 and 22nd November, 2024, the Committee appointed by the State of Uttar Pradesh has not complied with the directions issued by this Court. The State has not shown elementary courtesy of making an application for extension of time for complying with the orders passed by this Court," the Bench said.

The Court has now directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of Uttar Pradesh to file a personal affidavit detailing the progress made in compliance with the July 16, 2024, order. The affidavit must be submitted by January 24, 2025.

The Bench further scheduled the matter for hearing on February 7, 2025, signaling the need for accountability in the implementation of judicial directives.

"We direct the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of the State of Uttar Pradesh to file his personal affidavit placing on record the details of the work carried out as of date in terms of the order dated 16th July, 2024. The affidavit shall be filed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of the State of Uttar Pradesh by 24th January, 2025. List the Appeal on 7th February, 2025," the Court ordered.

Pertinetly, on July 19, the Court had directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of the State of Uttar Pradesh to form a committee to investigate the illegal filling of ponds, lakes, and water bodies in Tehsil Nagina, District Bijnor. The directions were passed in a plea filed highlighting the alarming issue of these water bodies being filled with garbage and subsequently encroached upon through illegal constructions.

Cause Title: Mirza Abid Beg v. State of U.P and Ors. [Civil Appeal No(s).1904/2020]

Appearance:-

Appellant: Advocates Ashutosh Dubey (AOR), Abhishek Chauhan, Rajshri A. Dubey, H.B. Dubey, Amit P. Shahi, Amit Kumar, Gaurav Yadav, Sumant A Khan, Rahul Sethi

Respondent: Advocates Vijendra Singh (AOR), Aarohi Bhalla, Abhinav Rathi, Divyakshi Singh, Apurva Singh, Vinay Garg (AOR), Neetu Rawat, Upendra Mishra, Deepam Garg

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Justice Abhay S OkaJustice Ujjal Bhuyan

Sukriti Mishra

    Sukriti Mishra was a Legal Correspondent at Verdictum. She covered the Supreme Court. She completed her graduation with BA. LL.B (Hons.) from The ICFAI University, Dehradun. Sukriti started covering courts in March 2022. She had previously worked with another legal news portal, where she covered the Delhi High Court and Trial Courts.