Reenu Paul vs Union Of India And Others

G. Narendar, CJ

Heard learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Advocate General assisted by learned C.S.C., learned Solicitor General of India for NHAI and learned Standing Counsel for the Union of India.

The issue regarding Elephant Corridor raised in the instant PIL has already been settled by the Hon’ble Apex Court in the case of Hospitality Association of Mudumalai vs. in Defence of Environment and Animals and others, reported in (2020) 10SCC 589.

In that view, revisiting the said issue, in our opinion, it would be a duplication and redundant exercise, as this Court and the State are bound by the precedent as set down by the Hon’ble Apex Court in the aforesaid ruling.

In that view and in view of the fact that the issue of destruction of forest cover or green cover has been seized of by the Hon’ble Apex Court in the case of ‘Anita Kandwal Vs. State of Uttarakhand’ in SLP No.21058 of 2025, we deem it appropriate that the other issues relating to cutting of trees, it would be appropriate, if this Court awaits the decision of the Hon’ble Apex Court. In the alternative, the petitioner is also granted liberty to seek implement in the pending proceedings and seek adjudication of the said issue.

With the above observations, we deem it appropriate to close the PIL reserving such liberty as recorded above. The contentions of both sides are left open.