Chief Justice of India Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, along with twenty judges of the Supreme Court, participated in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign organized by the Delhi Government as part of Van Mahotsav 2025, here on Saturday.
Photo: SNS
Chief Justice of India Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, along with twenty judges of the Supreme Court, participated in the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign organized by the Delhi Government as part of Van Mahotsav 2025, here on Saturday.
In a first-of-its-kind display of judicial solidarity for environmental causes, the participants planted saplings in memory of their mothers. The dedicated green space has been formally named Nyay Vatika, a living testament to the judiciary’s commitment to environmental justice and intergenerational responsibility.
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Addressing the gathering, CJI Gavai congratulated the Delhi Government and Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa for organizing the plantation drive.
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“The Hon’ble Supreme Court, along with all courts across the country, has always played a vital role in protecting our environment and preserving India’s rich forestry heritage. The 1996 judgment in the TN Godavarman case was a landmark moment, where the Court defined ‘forest’ and helped curb widespread deforestation. While development is important, we must ask — development at what cost? This is why the Supreme Court has consistently underscored the principle of sustainable development,” he said.
“Forests do not belong to us alone — they are a trust passed down to future generations. They are also crucial in reducing Delhi’s pollution burden. I was glad to hear from the Hon’ble Minister about the Delhi Government’s proactive work to combat pollution in the city.”
“Everyone in Delhi starts worrying as soon as October arrives. I still remember when I joined the Supreme Court, senior colleagues would caution me about the quality of air here. Every year, construction work halts between October and December due to pollution levels. This not only disrupts infrastructure projects but severely affects daily-wage labourers whose livelihoods depend on these jobs. A permanent solution to this crisis is needed.”
“I was pleased to hear how students are coming up with innovative ideas to tackle vehicular pollution, and how measures like sprinkling water on trees to boost their oxygen output are being implemented. These are thoughtful, science-driven steps in the right direction.”
“Whenever I travel toward Ghaziabad or Hindon Airport, I see the towering garbage mountains. It is commendable that the Delhi Government has set a target to completely eliminate these landfills by 2027.”
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa remarked that the sight of 20 Supreme Court judges planting trees in memory of their mothers was a powerful and unforgettable image.
“With this one act, the Hon’ble judiciary has transformed Van Mahotsav into a constitutional commitment to future generations. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ji, we are creating not just green spaces but green values. I assure the Hon’ble Judges and citizens that Delhi will continue to lead India’s ecological and ethical revival. Nyay Vatika will remain a proud symbol of justice rooted in nature,” the cabinet minister said.
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