RHYTHM COUNTY Vs. SATISH SANJAY HEGDE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present civil appeals arise out of disposal of two separate original applications by the National Green Tribunal, Western Zone Bench, Pune [1], involving similar facts and circumstances. The orders of disposal are of varying dates. We propose to decide these appeals by this common judgment and order.

(2.) The lead appeal has been filed by the project proponent, i.e., M/s. Rhythm County [2], challenging the order dtd. 22/8/2022 passed by the NGT in Original Application No. 14 of 2021 (WZ). Vide the impugned order, the NGT held that RHYTHM had violated the environmental norms and carried out construction without obtaining Environmental Clearance [3], for which it was liable in a sum of Rs.5,00,00,000.00 as compensation. Appellant was, accordingly, directed to pay such compensation within two months to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board [4].

(3.) The connected appeal is filed by another project proponent, i.e., M/s. Key Stone Properties [5]. It challenges the order dtd. 1/9/2022 passed by the NGT on Original Application No. 13/2021. Vide the impugned order, the NGT held that KEYSTONE had violated the environmental norms, including raising construction without obtaining requisite permissions. Like RHYTHM, KEYSTONE was directed to pay compensation in a sum of Rs.4,47,42,188.00 within two months to the MPCB.