Kerala High Court: Devan Ramachandran, J. took suo motu cognizance of issue regarding suspected defilement of river Periyar.
Bench stated that pollution of River Periyar can cause extremely deleterious consequences to the State of Kerala — it being one of the largest discharge potential, providing water to major towns and cities.
Thus, in view of the above, Court deemed it fit to register the present suo motu writ petition.
Notice issued to respondents.
Additional Advocate General instructed by Government Pleader affirmed that there have been some reports regarding the widespread pollution to the river but a final call on the said matter can be taken only after proper scrutiny.
Standing Counsel for the Pollution Control Board sought a couple of days time to respond to the present matter, to which the Bench deemed it apodictic to remind the Pollution Control Board that,
the present matter is a matter of great urgency, which can brook no delay and that they must act upto speed on this perilous problem, without any waste of time.
Matter to be listed on 24-04-2020. [Suo Motu v. State of Kerala, Suo Motu WP (C) No. 9500 of 2020, decided on 21-04-2020]