The bailable warrant was issued in the tune of Rs 20,000, to appear before the Tribunal on July 9. The order passed on May 12, holds that the duo may face further penal consequences if they fail to attend the scheduled hearing.
This order was referring to an order passed by the NGT on April 27 that had referred to 110th meeting of the GCZMA held on November 26, 2014, which discussed a wooden cottage situated in Survey No 109/2 (part) of Cavelossim owned by Sree Sai Champion Family Trust.
There had been a site inspection of the cottage and at the meeting, according to the NGT order, the two expert members had noted that the plot falls in ‘no development zone.’
In the order Justice V R Kingaonkar raised the issue of clearances that were granted to the structure at the request of Sree Sai Champion Family Trust, inspite of violations of CRZ Notification, 2011. The judge further remarked that the clearance was granted in the proximity of the inspection at the site.
“It was noted that sand dunes are destroyed by landfilling. Laterite stone chips and mud filling was carried out. Coconut trees have been planted. The plot is situated within 100mts from the High Tide Line which extends landward to 500mts,” reads the order while listing the violations.
The judge observed that there appears prima facie inconsistent approach by the Member Secretary and the members of the inspection team (experts), who granted permission on basis of the inspection report.
“It is difficult to understand as to when the said sand dunes have been destroyed, then how could permissions have been granted,” added Justice Kingaonkar
On April 27, NGT had directed the expert members and the secretary of the GCZMA to personally attend the tribunal on May 12, and file their affidavits in person to explain inconsistencies and as to why such kind of violations were not properly dealt with in accordance with the CRZ Notification and why no action has been taken till date, including demolition of cottage.
On May 12, the NGT heard the authorised representatives of the applicant and the advocates for the other respondents in the case. However, the NGT stated that their prior order was not complied with till date – for the concerned members and Member Secretary of GCZMA to attend the Tribunal personally, to file their affidavits and explain inconsistency about information, which were not properly dealt with as per CRZ Notification.
