India, May 10 -- The Delhi high court on Friday modified its earlier orders that required government-designated "tree officers" to seek judicial permission before allowing tree felling or transplantation for major infrastructure projects in the city.

The court's fresh order aligns with a December 2024 directive of the Supreme Court, which stated that any request involving the felling of 50 or more trees must be approved by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), a statutory body appointed by the apex court.

In August 2023, the high court had ordered tree officers to obtain its permission before granting any approvals for tree felling or transplantation related to significant projects. A month later, it tightened the restrictions, directi...