NAVIN M. RAHEJA Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Upon hearing counsel the Court made the following cates. Various orders have been passed from time to time to protect the forest and wild life and in particular tigers in the present context.

(2.) On 24th February, 2003 this Court directed that the question of non-release of funds by the States and the averment of diversification of those funds specifically alld for Tiger Protection under the 'Project Tiger' shall be taken up for consideration by this Court. The matter has come up after more than two months. Requests made for adjournment on behalf of State of Bihar and U.P. are declined particularly keeping in view the fact that the summer has already set in and it is necessary to provide water to the animals and take steps to protect them from fire hazards. It is difficult to take steps without making available the requisite funds.

(3.) We are informed that some of the States have already released the funds which was alld to the States under the 'Project Tiger' and some States have not. For the year 2002-2003 ending 31st March, 2003, we direct such of the States who have not released those funds, which have been alld under this particular project, to forthwith release those funds to the implementing agencies.