The Supreme Court on Monday halted the furthering axing of trees at Mumbai's Aarey forest. The court has now ordered the Maharashtra government to not cut any more trees in the Aarey area.
The felling of trees is being opposed by green activists and local residents.
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 the cutting of trees.
Here is what happened in court:
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.
Maharashtra government told the Supreme Court it has already cut the trees required.
"Don't cut anything now," the SC bench said.
The Supreme Court has also asked the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit on the status of the saplings planted.
Contention in the Aarey debate has been whether the area is officially designated as a "forest". Now, the SC has said it will examine if the area is part of the eco-sensitive zone or not.
The top court also said if anybody is still under arrest, they should be released forthwith on the furnishing of personal bonds.