Bombay High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance On Protection And Preservation Of Wetlands In State
Sanjana Dadmi
10 Jan 2025 12:45 PM IST
The Bombay High Court today (10 January) took suo moto cognisance of the issue pertaining to the maintenance and preservation of wetlands in Maharashtra.
A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Amit Borkar said that it was taking cognizance of the matter based on Supreme Court's order in the case of Anand Arya vs. UOI (Writ Petition (Civil) No. 304/2018).
In its order dated 11 December 2024, the Supreme Court had observed that an affidavit filed on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of India (MOEFCC) be treated as a suo moto public interest litigation, so as to ensure that Ramsar convention sites within jurisdiction of the court are properly maintained.
On 03 April 2017, the Apex Court had passed certain directions regarding the protection of Ramsar Convention Sites of wetlands, to be monitored by High Courts. It had noted that the High Courts could take the assistance of amicus curiae if necessary and ensure that the Ramsar sites within their jurisdiction are properly maintained.
Based on this order, the High Court took suo moto cognisance of the issue. It issued notice to MOEFCC, Union of India and also to the Maharashtra Wetland Authority, State Revenue and Forest department and the State Environment department.
The Court appointed Senior Advocate Janak Dwarkadas as an amicus curiae to assist it in the matter. It also asked the Additional Solicitor General of India to assist the Court in the matter.
The Court will hear the matter on 25 February.
Case title: High Court Of Judicature At Bombay On Its Own Motion Vs The State Of Maharashtra (SMPIL/1/2025)