M.C. MEHTA versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

M.C. MEHTA versus UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.

In order to preserve the environment and control pollution in the vicinity of Badkal Lake and Surajkund—both being notable tourist resorts—mining operations within a two-kilometer radius are to be stopped; green belts are to be created and maintained as recommended by NEERI; mining leases between two and five kilometers may only be renewed with prior no objection certificates from both State and Central Pollution Control Boards.

Parties
Petitioner: M.C. Mehta; Respondents: Union of India and Ors.
Jurisdiction
India
Judgment Date
10 May 1996
Procedural Posture
Writ Petition (civil) Under Article 32 / Interlocutory Application No. 22 in Writ Petition (c) No. 4077 of 1985; Order Dated May 10, 1996
Outcome
Petition disposed of with detailed directions.
Legal Topics
Pollution Control, Preservation of Environment, Regulation of Mining Operations, Protection of Tourist Resorts, Public Interest Litigation
Environmental Law Pollution Control Preservation of Environment Regulation of Mining Operations Protection of Tourist Resorts Public Interest Litigation

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

M.C. Mehta

Petitioner

Union of India and Ors.

Respondents

Procedural Posture

Writ Petition (civil) Under Article 32 / Interlocutory Application No. 22 in Writ Petition (c) No. 4077 of 1985; Order Dated May 10, 1996

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether mining operations should be stopped within a specified radius of Badkal Lake and Surajkund to preserve the environment and control pollution

Ratio Decidendi

In order to preserve the environment and control pollution in the vicinity of Badkal Lake and Surajkund—both being notable tourist resorts—mining operations within a two-kilometer radius are to be stopped; green belts are to be created and maintained as recommended by NEERI; mining leases between two and five kilometers may only be renewed with prior no objection certificates from both State and Central Pollution Control Boards.

Court Disposition

Petition disposed of with detailed directions.

Orders

  • No mining activity permitted within 2 km radius of Badkhal Lake and Surajkund; all mines within this area to remain closed.
  • Forest Development (Haryana) to immediately develop green belts as recommended by NEERI.