SC okays high-powered panel to protect Devban Oran in Raj

Jaipur: The Supreme Court (SC) Tuesday approved the constitution of a high-powered committee for the protection of Devban Oran in Rajasthan, a grove of ecological and cultural importance.

The court also discharged the contempt proceedings against Tanmay Kumar, Union secretary of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change.

The matter was heard by a bench comprising Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine Masih, in which the Supreme Court gave its nod to the constitution of the said committee. The SC, in its judgment on Dec 18, 2024, directed the constitution of a joint committee for the conservation of the sacred Devban Oran.

"We filed compliance affidavit on Jan 9, 2025, when we informed the court that the members for the committee were nominated and sent to the ministry of environment and forest. However, despite two orders by the apex court on Jan 16, 2025, and on April 16, 2025, the ministry of environment and forests failed to nominate its representative or finalise the committee's composition. This led the court to issue a notice of contempt on April 16, 2025, to Tanmay Kumar for non-compliance," said Shiv Mangal Sharma, additional advocate general who represented the govt of Rajasthan in this matter.

On Tuesday, Kumar appeared before the bench and filed an affidavit confirming the final constitution of the committee, thereby complying with the court's directions. "It was informed that Jitendra Rai Goyal, former judge, Rajasthan High Court, is to be the chairperson of the committee, and all other members as recommended by the state of Rajasthan have been approved," said Sharma.

The bench took note of the affidavit and, being satisfied, approved the committee and discharged the contempt notice. The committee's role will be to oversee and ensure the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of Devban Oran in collaboration with the forest department.