M/S Srinivasa Saw Mill, v. The State Of Telangana,

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE CHALLA KODANDA RAM W.P.NOS.165, 175, 177, 182, 184, 197, 226, 259, 260, 261, 263, 265, 266, 274, 275, 340, 341 AND 342 OF 2019 COMMON ORDER The petitioners in all these writ petitions are saw mills, represented by their proprietors. They assert that they are running saw mills with the licences granted by forest department by using 'Vertical Band Saw' machinery. On account of various problems, as of now, it has become difficult for them to run the saw mills using Vertical Band Saw alone, thereby, they made representations on 23.10.2018 to the authorities seeking permission to install 'Horizontal Log Saw' machinery along with 'Vertical Band Saw' and issue renewed licences. As the said representations are not being considered, the present writ petitions have been filed.

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners. Learned Government Pleader for Forests submits that on account of the orders of the Supreme Court, now the Rules have been amended and notified vide G.O.Ms.No.55, Environment, Forests, Science and Technology (For.I) Department, dated 26-09-2016, under which a State Level Committee was also constituted under G.O.Rt.No.203 dated 16-12-2016, which has been empowered to consider the applications made in prescribed format for granting licences, either fresh, or for installation of

additional machinery, and as on date, the petitioners have not made applications in the prescribed format.

Having regard to the facts and circumstances, the writ petitions are disposed of granting liberty to the petitioners to make necessary applications in the prescribed format complying with the procedural requirements as notified under G.O.Ms.No.55 dated 26-09-2016. As and when such applications are made, the competent authority shall dispose of the same in accordance with law, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of four months from the date of receipt of such applications.

Interlocutory applications pending, if any, shall stand closed. No costs.

-------------------------------------------------- CHALLA KODANDA RAM,J DATE:25-01-2019 AVS