New Delhi, January 12 The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to issue any directions against the Adani Group's proposed thermal power plant in Uttar Pradesh, asking the state and the central government to file their responses in the matter.
A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said that it would not pass any orders without considering the replies of the state government and the Centre.
"The state may be facing a power deficit. We cannot pass orders like this. We need to strike a balance between environmental concerns and development," the bench told senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for an environmental activist.
Parikh submitted that the plant is surrounded by forests and may endanger sloth bears and other wild animals. He said that the Adani Group had obtained environmental clearance despite the pending petition before the apex court and the National Green Tribunal.
"They are building a huge power plant there, and it may affect the environment and wildlife," the counsel submitted.
CJI Kant said that the difficulty lies in the fact that sometimes concerns are raised regarding power plants, sometimes regarding forests, and sometimes regarding rivers, but development projects cannot be stalled in this manner.
The bench emphasized the need for robust enforcement machinery and scientific evaluation while questioning. It told Parikh, "We are not doubting what you are saying. But can it be permitted with proper safeguards?"
CJI Kant asked Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhatti, appearing for the Centre, to file their response, indicating how they plan to balance the ecological concerns and what the way forward is.
It also allowed the Uttar Pradesh government and the Adani Group to file their responses in the matter.