RAJIMON K.JACOB Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Two petitioners have approached this Court challenging Ext.P1 Letter of Intent and Ext.P4 Environmental Clearance issued to the 11th respondent for conducting a quarry lease. The challenge is essentially premised on the existence of a water tank erected and maintained by the Kerala Water Authority, which according to the petitioners, is serving drinking water to the families in four Panchayats.

(2.) It was specifically pointed out by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the water tank is erected in the same rock and in the same bed, where quarrying activities are proposed to be conducted. It was also submitted that the stone, where the water tank is erected, is 800 ft high from sea level. In such circumstances, the grant of Ext.P1 Letter of Intent without adverting to the above aspects is illegal, is the submission made by the learned counsel for the petitioner. The same is the situation with respect to Ext.P4 Environmental Clearance.

(3.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners; the learned Standing Counsel for the SIEAA; the learned Standing Counsel for the Panchayat; and also, the learned counsel for the 11th respondent, who is the contesting respondent.