STAR CEMENT LTD Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This order will dispose of all the above three writ petitions.

(2.) Heard Dr A K Saraf, learned Senior Counsel, assisted by Mr P Baruah, learned counsel for the petitioners in WP(C) Nos. 6179 and 6180 of 2013 and Mr R K Agarwal, learned counsel for the petitioner in WP(C) No. 6320/2013. Also heard Mr D Mazumdar, learned Senior Counsel and Additional Advocate General, Assam, assisted by Mr S Biswas, learned counsel for the State respondents; Mr S C Keyal, learned Assistant Solicitor General of India; Mr A C Borbora, learned Senior Counsel, assisted by Mr M Smith, learned counsel for added respondent Nos. 10, 11 and 12 in WP(C) No. 6179/2013; and Mr V Rajkhowa, learned counsel for respondent No. 10 in WP(C) No. 6180/2013.

(3.) In all the writ petitions, challenge made is to the closure notices issued by the State respondents in the Environment and Forest Department, Government of Assam, to close down the cement manufacturing industrial units of the petitioners on the ground that those are situated within 10 km radius from the boundary of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary.