SC leaves new wildlife board toothless, for now | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

SC leaves new wildlife board toothless, for now

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Aug 26, 2014 02:56 AM IST

In a jolt to the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court Monday restrained it from implementing any decisions taken by the newly constituted national board for wildlife (NBWL), which clears commercial projects in forest and wildlife areas.

In a jolt to the Narendra Modi government, the Supreme Court Monday restrained it from implementing any decisions taken by the newly constituted national board for wildlife (NBWL), which clears commercial projects in forest and wildlife areas.

HT Image
HT Image

The order by a special forest bench headed by Justice JS Kehar came after counsel ADN Rao, assisting the bench in environment related cases, pressed for a stay on the operation of the board that has come under attack from several NGOs for violating the provisions of law. It issued a notice to the Centre and ministry of environment and forests for its response to a PIL challenging NBWL’s constitution.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Rao said the petition filed by environmentalist Chandra Bhal Singh required an immediate stay as the members to the board were appointed in blatant violation of the wildlife act. NBWL grants clearances to all projects falling within 10 kilometers area of a national park or sanctuary, he said.

Notified on July 22, 2014 NBWL has only two non-official members in place of 10 and one quasi-government organization in place of five independent NGOs. Instead of nominating a representative each from 10 states and union territories by rotation, only five have been chosen.
There was no NBWL for more than ten months.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Bhadra is a legal correspondent and reports Supreme Court proceedings, besides writing on legal issues. A law graduate, Bhadra has extensively covered trial of high-profile criminal cases. She has had a short stint as a crime reporter too.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On