Bombay High Court Issues Final Deadline to Railways in Goa Sanctuary PIL
The Bombay High Court has taken a firm stance against South Western Railways (SWR) for its repeated failure to file a reply in a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning alleged encroachment within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary in Kalay, Goa. The court has now directed SWR to submit its affidavit by a strict deadline of April 10, 2026, warning that any further delay will not be tolerated.
Court's Stern Warning and Judicial Proceedings
During the hearing on Wednesday, a division bench comprising Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar expressed strong disapproval of SWR's inaction. The bench observed that despite being granted multiple opportunities, the railways had consistently failed to provide a response. In a decisive move, the court set a final deadline, emphasizing that if no reply is filed by April 2026, the matter will proceed without SWR's input. This directive underscores the judiciary's commitment to expediting environmental cases and holding authorities accountable for delays.
Allegations of Violations in Wildlife Sanctuary
The PIL, filed by the environmental group Goa Foundation, raises serious allegations against South Western Railways. According to the petitioner, SWR has continued land acquisition activities within the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary for the doubling of the Hospet-Hubli-Tinaighat-Vasco railway line. This is alleged to be in direct violation of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Furthermore, the Goa Foundation claims that these actions persist despite a 2022 Supreme Court order that revoked permissions for railway expansion in the sanctuary, highlighting a potential disregard for judicial mandates and environmental protection laws.
Broader Context and Environmental Implications
This case is part of a larger debate over infrastructure development versus conservation in ecologically sensitive areas. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Goa, is a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna, and any encroachment could have severe environmental repercussions. The court's intervention aims to ensure that railway projects adhere to legal frameworks and do not compromise wildlife protection. The upcoming deadline in 2026 will be a pivotal moment, as it will determine whether SWR complies with judicial orders or faces consequences for non-compliance, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases across India.
