The Delhi Government was ordered by the Delhi High Court to refrain from holding the planned Cyclothon and walkathon in the Asola Bhati Sanctuary on Thursday.
Concerns about participant safety and the proposed event were brought up in light of the leopard that had escaped from the Sanctuary and made its way into Sainik Farm. It hasn’t been discovered yet.
“Respondents are restrained from organizing the proposed event until further orders,” remarked Justice Jasmeet Singh.
The parties’ arguments were heard by the high court on December 5, following which it reserved an order.
It had been alleged that the proposed event is not well thought out and is being organised without a proper plan.
It was also alleged that it is proposed to be organised in the dense forest without proper security arrangements even though the forest habitats leopards.
The counsel for the petitioner also submitted that one leopard entered in Sainik Farm colony and has not been caught.
On the other standing counsel for Delhi Government had submitted that the event was well thought out and planned.
During the hearing, the bench noted that despite repeated orders file has not been produced by the forest department. “Standing counsel is unable to explain why,” the court said.