Introduction:

In the case of Jheel Sarankshan Samiti v. Union of India and Ors., the Supreme Court was presented with a crucial public interest litigation regarding the construction of a 5-star hotel in Udai Sagar lake, Rajasthan. The petitioner, represented by Advocate Prashant Bhushan, argued against the construction, citing violations of Wetland Rules and irreversible environmental damage caused by Vardha Enterprises. The respondent, Vardha Enterprises, defended its actions, emphasizing permissions granted and the stay order issued by the Supreme Court.

Arguments:

Advocate Prashant Bhushan highlighted the violations of Wetland Rules and the environmental degradation caused by the hotel construction, supported by a report from an Expert Committee of the Urban Improvement Trust. He also pointed out the stay order issued by the Supreme Court, allowing construction to proceed during the case’s pendency.

Vardha Enterprises countered by citing permissions granted for the construction and the Supreme Court’s stay order, asserting their right to continue construction.

Court’s Judgment:

The Supreme Court, represented by a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, called for a status report from the state government on the construction’s status and its impact on the environment, listing the matter for further hearing in September 2024.