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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has reiterated its 2020 verdict that mandates private property owners to vacate lands falling within the elephant corridor in the Nilgiris. The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar and confirmed that this decision has attained finality. However, the court allowed the Madras High Court to review whether an inquiry committee, appointed by the Supreme Court, exceeded its scope in addressing objections related to land demarcation and acquisition.
On October 14, 2020, the Supreme Court delivered its verdict on 35 petitions challenging the Madras High Court’s decision, including those filed by the Hospitality Association of Mudumalai and actor Mithun Chakraborty. The petitions contested the validity of the Tamil Nadu government’s 2010 order which notified an elephant corridor in the Sigur plateau of the Nilgiris. The Supreme Court upheld the Madras High Court’s 2011 ruling which required resort owners and private landowners to vacate the land within the designated elephant corridor and hand over possession to the authorities.
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The Supreme Court emphasized the need for compliance with its 2020 verdict in its recent decision. The court stated that the Madras High Court could examine the procedural aspects handled by the inquiry committee particularly concerning land demarcation and acquisition issues. This move aims to ensure that the process adheres to legal standards while maintaining the integrity of the Elephant Corridor.
The elephant corridor in the Sigur plateau is crucial for the safe passage and movement of elephants between the Western and Eastern Ghats. Protecting these corridors is essential to mitigate human-elephant conflicts and preserve the natural habitat of these majestic animals. The Tamil Nadu government’s 2010 order and subsequent court rulings underscore the importance of conserving wildlife corridors to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity.
The Supreme Court’s reinforcement of its 2020 verdict highlights the judiciary’s commitment to wildlife conservation and habitat protection. By allowing the Madras High Court to review procedural aspects, the Supreme Court ensures a fair and transparent process while safeguarding the elephant corridor in the Nilgiris.
