T. N. GODAVARMAN THIRUMULPAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IAS Nos. 2423-25 and 2460-61 with IAs Nos. 1274-75 Learned amicus curiae points out that in the State of Bihar, availability of timber is less but there are large number of applications either for starting fresh sawmill or restarting and / or continuance of old sawmill which are stated to be holding licences. CEC has filed a report to the effect that the State should prepare a seniority list of the sawmills so that eligible applicants could be identified. The State may prepare the list and file it as suggested by CEC within six weeks and the seniority list can be prepared.

(2.) THE applicant in IA No. 2424 submits that the paste units shall be excluded as they are not using the timber. We make it clear that these units are generally treated as sawmill units as they are using the forest produce.

(3.) IA No. 2469 Issue notice to CEC. Response / reply, if any, within two weeks.