The Kerala High Court has disposed of petitions seeking a railway line from Nanjangud to Nilambur via Sulthan Bathery.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S. Manu, disposed of two petitions filed as public interest litigations.
The petitions sought directions to implement the Nanjangud-Sulthan Bathery-Nilambur railway line and to take necessary steps for survey and clearance.
The court noted that the project requires clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change due to its impact on protected areas.
The Railways stated they have not abandoned the project but are pursuing necessary permissions. The court held that keeping the petitions pending serves no purpose and disposed of the matter.
However, it clarified by the Court that if necessary permissions are not obtained or steps are not taken, the petitioners or any public-spirited person can approach the court for directions.