Anyone can appeal against a project, says high court

THE Delhi High Court recently ruled that any person concerned about the environmental impacts of a project could challenge it even if the person is not directly affected by the project. The court passed this order in a case related to a Vedanta Aluminium Ltd smelter in Jharsuguda, Orissa. Its environmental clearance was challenged by an activist in the National Environment Appellate Authority (neaa) in May 2007. The neaa dismissed the petition on the grounds that the petitioner was not aggrieved or affected by the project.

The petitioner then approached the Delhi High Court. The court quashed the neaa order and said public hearings are meant to elicit comments from the people and if the grievances of the public are not addressed, then people have the right to appeal against it.