Decide on Lavasa application in 3 weeks: HC ultimatum to MoEF

Giving a last chance, Bombay High Court today directed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to pass the final order on regularisation application of the Lavasa Corporation, with regard to constructions at township project near Pune, in three weeks.

"The Union Ministry has been given time for long to pass order and today again it has sought three weeks' time. Considering the gravity and public interest involved in the matter, we make it clear that the three weeks' time granted today is the last chance," the division bench of Justices DD Sinha and VK Tahilramani said.

Additional Solicitor General Darius Khambata, on September 5, had told the HC that MoEF would pass its final order within three weeks. But no order has been passed yet.

"The ministry could not pass the order as Lavasa, on September 13, sent us a letter with further submissions on the regularisation. The ministry is considering the submissions before passing final order, and hence wants three weeks more," Khambata said.

Senior counsel Shekhar Naphade, appearing for Lavasa, argued that the ministry had been always seeking time, without passing the order.

"Why are you [MoEF] taking so much time? This is the last chance the court will be giving. If ministry fails to pass an order within three weeks, then the court shall hear and decide Lavasa's petition on deemed clearance based on merits," Justice Sinha said, posting the matter for hearing on October 18.