VIJAY NISHANTH Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners claim to be environmentalists. In these petitions, which have been filed as public interest litigations, the petitioners inter alia seek a writ of certiorari for quashment of decision dtd. 19/1/2021 taken by Karnataka State Board for Wildlife (hereinafter referred to as the 'Board' for short). The petitioners also seek a writ of mandamus directing the Board to reconvene a meeting to reconsider the proposal to declare Hesaraghatta grasslands as Conservation Reserve under Sec. 36A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act' for short).

(2.) Brief facts leading to filing of this petition briefly stated are that Hesaraghatta region situate in Bangalore is of ecological significance and requires protection. The region forms a unique ecosystem and supports numerous species of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered.

(3.) The Chief Conservator of Forests, Bangalore Region filed a detailed report with the Board to consider and declare Hesaraghatta Grasslands as Greater Hesaraghatta Grasslands Conserve Reserve, as provided under Sec. 36A of the Act. Thereafter, the Chief conservator of Forests in his proposal stated that Hesaraghatta Grasslands comprising 5010 acres is the only remaining grassland region in Bangalore and is home to several endangered species of wildlife. The Board convened its 15th meeting on 19/1/2021 which was presided over by the Chairman of the Board. Sri. S.R.Vishwanath, Member of Legislative Assembly of Yelahanka Constituency was also invited to the meeting as a special invitee. The said proposal was rejected by the Board by an order dtd. 19/1/2021. In the aforesaid factual background, this petition has been filed.