In the much publicized Public Interest Litigation regarding preservation of Gharana wetland, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul show displeasure for not filling status report, granted four weeks time to file report.
When the PIL came-up for hearing, DB observed that time is sought by Mr. Ayjaz Lone, Dy. AG to file the status report in terms of order dated 10th March 2020 whereby DB directed respondents to place before us an action taken report regarding encroachments on the wetlands on the next date of hearing and the respondents shall file the status of these cases as well as complete details of action taken to remove the encroachments..
DB further observed that more than five months have gone by since passing of the orders without the respondents taking any action.
DB further said that we are not inclined to grant time. However, in the interest of justice one opportunity is given to comply with our order dated 10th March 2020 within four weeks from today.
DB further directed that the respondents shall take assistance of Mr. M. C. Mehta, Advocate who has been appointed as Amicus curiae in terms of our order dated 29th March 2020 passed in OWP No. 1177/2017. JNF