Jaipur, April 30 -- The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday approved the proposal to set up a high-powered committee for the protection of the Devban Oran in Rajasthan, while discharging contempt proceedings initiated against secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF). The matter was heard by a bench comprising justice BR Gavai and justice Augustine Masih in the ongoing proceedings in TN Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India. The Supreme Court, in its December 18, 2024, judgment, directed the formation of a joint committee to conserve the sacred Devban Oran. While the state government complied by nominating members and seeking central nominations, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) failed to respond despite two court orders. On April 16, 2025, the SC issued a contempt notice to MoEF secretary for non-compliance. "In response, secretary MoEF appeared before the bench today (on Tuesday) and filed an affidavit confirming the final constitution of the committee, thereby complying with the court's directions. Additional solicitor general Aishwarya Bhati informed that Jitendra Rai Goyal, former judge of Rajasthan high court would be the chairperson of the committee and all other members as recommended by the state of Rajasthan has been approved. The bench took note of the affidavit and, being satisfied, approved the committee and discharged the contempt notice," additional advocate general, Rajasthan, Shiv Mangal Sharma said. He informed the court that 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 of the State of Rajasthan. "The bench directed that the committee must now begin its work in earnest and state of Rajasthan will provide all assistance to the committee," he said....