The affidavit was filed by R K Singla, Superintending Engineer, Construction Circle number 2, Chandigarh.

The case assumes significance, as it is arguably the first time that the High Court has been approached to seek directions to cut down a few trees.

For over two years, Ahluwalia, a resident of Sector 10 and practising lawyer in the HC, has been requesting the UT Administration to cut down the trees, which according to him have outlived their term and pose a threat to his house.

Interestingly, the Horticulture Department had earlier said the trees were indeed a threat and should be cut down, but the UT Administration did nothing.

Left with no other option, Ahluwalia moved the High Court, which had issued notices to the Administration through its Advisor, Superintending Engineer, Construction Circle, and Executive Engineer, Horticulture Division.

“Whenever there is fast wind blowing the petitioner apprehends that the trees might fall over his house. Some of the trees which are 30 to 40 years old are leaning towards the house of the petitioner. The girths of the trees show that they are very old” Ahluwalia had submitted.