Madhya Pradesh High Court Gives Governments Two Weeks to Reply on Ken-Betwa Wildlife Concerns

The Madhya Pradesh High Court gave the Union and State governments two weeks to file replies in a public-interest case concerning the Ken-Betwa river-link project.

Background and legal issue

The petitioner raised questions about impacts on Panna Tiger Reserve, Ken Gharial Sanctuary and displaced communities, relying in part on a Central Empowered Committee report. Government counsel requested more time to obtain instructions.

Court's reasoning and legal position

Chief Justice Alpesh Y Kogje and Justice Vivek Jain also asked about related proceedings before other forums and the status of the committee report. The Bench did not make a final finding that environmental clearances were invalid.

Operative effect and next step

The governments must file their responses within the additional time. The ecological and procedural objections remain open for adjudication.