Don't cut any more trees: SC on Mumbai's Aarey

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday restrained authorities from cutting any more trees in Mumbai's Aarey to set up a Metro car shed.

A special bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and Ashok Bhushan said it will have to examine the entire thing and posted the matter for hearing on October 21 before its forest bench.

"Don't cut anything now," the bench said.

Green activists and local residents are opposing the felling of trees.

The apex court directed that if anybody is still under arrest for protesting the cutting of trees, they should be released immediately on furnishing of personal bonds.

During the hearing, the Maharashtra government told the bench that all those arrested for protesting against cutting of trees in Aarey had been released.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Maharashtra Government, submitted that he was not aware of all records and assured the bench that nothing would be cut in Aarey till the case is decided.

The apex court decided on Sunday to register as PIL a letter addressed to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi by law student Rishav Ranjan seeking a stay on cutting of trees.

India's green cover has increased by 15,000 square kilometres, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Monday.