The apex court asked Maharashtra government to halt tree cutting at the Aarey colony till the environment bench hears plea

In a win-win situation for the activists who were fighting to prove Aarey colony as a forest, the Supreme Court ask the Maharashtra government to halt the felling of trees in the spot for building the metro car shed.

The apex court has put a stay on the cutting of trees till the environment bench hears the case. The next hearing has been scheduled for October 21.

A special bench comprising justices Arun Mishra and Ashok Bhushan said it will have to examine the entire case and posted the matter for hearing on October 21 before the environment bench. "Don't cut anything now," the bench said. The felling of trees is being opposed by green activists, local residents and celebrities alike.

Also Read: Aarey Colony Timeline: Here's what has happened so far in dispute

The apex court decided on Sunday to register as PIL  addressed to Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi by law student Rishav Ranjan seeking a stay on the cutting of trees. A notice was posted on the Supreme Court website about holding the urgent hearing. 

On Saturday, 29 activists protesting the tree-felling were arrested from Aarey Colony after which Section 144 (Unlawful assembly) was imposed on the area. The activists were granted bail by the Dindoshi Holiday Session Court with the imposition of Section 144 being lifted from the spot.

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Aarey Colony Row: Supreme Court puts stay on tree-cutting

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