P.J.Chacko vs State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority SEIAA

Anu Sivaraman, J

This writ petition is filed seeking the following reliefs :-

“i) Issue a writ of mandamus or other appropriate writ order or direction directing the 3rd  respondent to grant the petitioner the benefit of Exhibit P3 Government order and to extend the validity of petitioner's quarrying lease by a period of one year.

ii) Issue a writ in the nature of a declaration declaring that Exhibit P1 quarrying lease granted to the petitioner stands extended till 30.05.2023 by virtue of Exhibit P3.

iii) Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus, commanding the third respondent to consider and pass orders on Exhibit P6 application expeditiously after hearing the petitioner.”

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Government Pleader as well as the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the 1st respondent.

It is submitted by the learned counsel for the petitioner that by Ext.P3, the Government had extended the validity of quarrying permits and quarrying leases for a period of one year in view of the Covid pandemic and the lock down. It is submitted that the petitioner has preferred Ext.P6 request before the 3rd respondent, but no steps have been taken thereon.

Having heard the learned Government Pleader also, I am of the opinion that Ext.P6 request made by the petitioner is liable to be considered in accordance with law.

There will, accordingly, be a direction to the 3rd respondent to take up Ext.P6 and pass orders on the same, taking note of Ext.P3 Government Order as well. Appropriate orders shall be passed within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.

This writ petition is ordered accordingly.