SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Before:- G.B. Pattanaik, C.J.I. and B.P. Singh, JJ.

Writ Petn. (Civil) No. 47 of 1998 with SLP (6) No. 1474 of 1998. D/d. 24.1.2002.

Navin M. Raheja - Petitioner

Versus

Union of India and others - Respondents

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Section 3 - National park - Proposed road passing through national park - State directed to re-align the road away from national park.

[Para 1]

JUDGMENT

G.B. Pattanaik, C.J.I., J. - In view of the stand taken by the Union Government in its affidavit, it would be necessary for the State of Uttaranchal to indicate an other alignment of a road which Would not pass through the National park. The counsel for the State of Uttaranchal indicates that he has already got the re-alignment plan of the road and the Government of Uttaranchal would submit the necessary proposal with the map for re-alignment to the appropriate authority in the Government of India. The Ministry of Environment and Forest is directed to examine the said re-alignment and accord its approval and/or objections, within four weeks thereafter.

2. Put up this matter after five weeks on which date the counsel for the Government of India as well as the counsel for the State of Uttaranchal will indicate the status in the matter.

Order accordingly.