Calcutta HC rejects Centre’s objections to pleas against Great Nicobar project, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Calcutta High Court rejected the Union government's objections to petitions against the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project.
• The court dismissed the Centre's argument that the petitioner, Meena Gupta, lacked the locus standi.

Detailed Insights:

• Meena Gupta, a retired IAS officer, filed petitions challenging Gram Sabha resolutions consenting to forest land diversion.
• The petitions question the validity of the certificate issued by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration regarding FRA rights.
• The Centre argued the project's "national importance" should prevent PIL challenges, but the court emphasized adherence to governing laws.
• The court dismissed the argument that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had already ruled on the issue, stating the petitions were distinct.
• The petitions also question the notifications reducing the buffer zones for both the Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay National Parks.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Locus Standi: The right or ability to bring a legal action to a court of law.
• Forest Rights Act (FRA): Indian legislation to recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation of forest land in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers.
• Res Judicata: A matter that has been adjudicated by a competent court and may not be pursued further by the same parties.