Supreme Court Holds DDA in Contempt for Tree-Felling in Delhi Ridge, Orders Massive Afforestation

The Supreme Court held Delhi Development Authority guilty of contempt of court for unauthorized cutting of about 1,051 trees in the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area without prior permission in violation of its own orders. The Court prefers multi-site afforestation over dependence on a single site.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N.K. Singh termed the felling a “wilful disobedience” of earlier directions and ordered significant remedial measures. The matter arose as a contempt petition arising from ongoing writ proceedings in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (W.P.(C) No. 4677/1985) relating to conservation of the Ridge, in which the Supreme Court had passed an order on 9 May 1996 that henceforth no further encroachment upon the Ridge was allowed without specific judicial approval.

Here, the DDA had proceeded to widen an approach road to the Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Sciences hospital and commenced tree-felling on 16 February 2024 without statutory permissions and after its own application was rejected by the Court on 4 March.

The Supreme Court held that while the objective of improving access to the hospital might be laudable, it did not excuse violation of the Court’s prior orders or the statutory regime under the Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, 1994 and related environmental obligations.

In light of the above, the Court ordered as follows: Every DDA official, except the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson, who ordered the felling of the trees, shall pay an “environment fee” of ₹25,000. The DDA has to undertake large-scale afforestation at the site under the supervision of a three-member committee comprising experts Ishwar Singh, Sunil Limaye and Pradip Krishen within the stipulated period. National Herald One-off levy to be imposed on the affluent residents of the Ridge area that benefit from the widened road as part of the remedial framework.

The proceedings are closed against certain senior officials including the Lieutenant-Governor who were found not to have been directly responsible, but the finding of contempt remains against the DDA as an institution. The ratio from this judgement makes it clear that public bodies cannot treat ecologically sensitive areas as mere convenient sites for expansion of infrastructure without judicial/statutory clearance, beforehand. Disobedience to the orders of the court invites contempt and activates monetary and institutional liability. It strengthens the environmental jurisprudence that even infrastructure projects relating to public purposes must conform to the procedural as well as substantive environmental safeguards.

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Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A) Job Opportunity at Beyond Venture Partners, Noida

Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A) is now being hired at Beyond Venture Partners, a prominent strategic investment advisory firm with a presence in India, the Middle East, and Singapore. The firm is currently expanding its team and seeking a skilled legal professional to join its Noida office. This is a full-time opportunity to become part of a fast-paced, high-growth environment where you will be working on a wide range of complex and high-value investment transactions.

Beyond Venture Partners collaborates closely with visionary founders and dynamic businesses to shape, structure, and execute growth strategies through private equity, venture capital, and mergers and acquisitions. The firm prides itself on enabling transformative change through financial investment and legal structuring, making this Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A) position ideal for lawyers looking to build a deep transactional practice.

Key Responsibilities:

As Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A), the selected candidate will be responsible for providing expert legal advice and full-spectrum support in investment transactions, deal execution, and regulatory compliance. Your role will cover:

  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating term sheets, shareholder agreements, and definitive agreements.
  • Leading legal due diligence exercises and coordinating with internal and external teams, including tax advisors, financial consultants, and corporate stakeholders.
  • Providing end-to-end legal support for venture capital, private equity, and M&A transactions, including structuring, risk assessment, and deal closure.
  • Advising portfolio companies on operational legal matters and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulatory guidelines.
  • Maintaining strong professional relationships with investors, founders, and legal professionals involved in the transaction process.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate for the Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A) role should be a qualified legal professional with a track record in deal-making and legal structuring. The required qualifications include:

  • A Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a recognized institution.
  • 2 to 4 years of post-qualification experience with direct exposure to venture capital, private equity, and M&A transactions.
  • Strong understanding of Indian corporate, securities, and foreign investment laws.
  • Hands-on experience in conducting due diligence, drafting and negotiating transactional documents, and facilitating deal closures.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deal-driven, fast-paced work environment.
  • High attention to detail, strategic thinking, and a problem-solving mindset.

Candidates with prior experience working in a corporate law firm or the legal department of a private equity or VC firm will be preferred. Exposure to international transactions and cross-border regulatory frameworks will be considered an added advantage.

About Beyond Venture Partners:

Beyond Venture Partners is a leading investment advisory and consulting firm that supports high-growth companies through private equity, venture capital, and mergers and acquisitions. The firm serves as a strategic partner for businesses across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, helping them navigate regulatory challenges, access capital, and scale sustainably.

At the core of Beyond Venture Partners is a commitment to legal and financial precision. The firm’s legal team plays a central role in structuring deals that are not only legally compliant but also commercially sound and growth-oriented. As Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A), you will be part of a team that drives complex transactions and delivers strategic legal insights in high-stakes situations.

Why Join Beyond Venture Partners?

Joining Beyond Venture Partners means becoming part of a future-focused legal and investment ecosystem. The firm offers:

  • A chance to work on challenging and high-value transactions across jurisdictions.
  • Close collaboration with senior partners, founders, and financial leaders.
  • A learning-driven and collegial work environment.
  • Opportunities for growth within a rapidly expanding legal team.
  • Exposure to cross-border regulatory issues and international clients.

This role is ideal for legal professionals who thrive in dynamic settings and enjoy working on high-impact deals. As Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A), you’ll build a well-rounded legal skill set that spans corporate law, finance, negotiation, and compliance.

Location and Role Details:

  • Location: Noida
  • Role Type: Full-time
  • Department: Legal – Transactions
  • Practice Areas: Venture Capital, Private Equity, Mergers and Acquisitions
  • Seniority Level: 2–4 years PQE

Application Process:

The application process is currently open and follows a rolling deadline. Candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest to be considered. To apply for the Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A) role at Beyond Venture Partners:

Send your updated CV to:
admin@beyondvp.com

Please include a brief cover email introducing yourself and highlighting your experience in VC/PE/M&A transactions.

Conclusion:

If you’re a legal professional with experience in venture capital, private equity, or mergers and acquisitions, and you’re looking for an opportunity to work with a firm that values strategic insight, legal depth, and business acumen, then the Legal Counsel – Transactions (PE, VC & M&A) role at Beyond Venture Partners, Noida, could be your next career move. Join a firm that’s shaping the future of investment and legal strategy across borders. Apply today and be part of something impactful.


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