The ASI moved the application through its counsel advocate A D N Rao, following which the three-member special bench, headed by Justice S B Sinha, asked the amicus curiae (counsel assisting in the matter) Krishan Mahajan to file his reply by the next date of hearing.

Besides, the apex court also directed the Uttar Pradesh government to furnish its reply on the allegations of large-scale unauthorised constructions taking place in the city in violation of the master plan. The counsel for the state government refuted the allegations but later assured that the reply would be filed within four weeks. As the bench, comprising Justices D K Jain and S H Kapadia besides Justice Sinha, pointed that about 2,000 trees have been uprooted, the counsel maintained that no tree has been cut. The court, however, refused to admit the oral submissions of the state government’s counsel, and said, “We do not see any averment in your written submission. You file an affidavit. We will see.”