HC scolds government for delaying counter in radar case
The High Court, annoyed by repeated requests for extra time, warned the state to stop delaying and file its counters promptly.
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday expressed strong displeasure with government advocates for repeatedly asking for more time to file counter affidavits in the case related to the proposed radar centre inside the Damagundam Reserve Forest in Vikarabad district. The court’s sharp remarks came during the latest hearing of a PIL that has been pending for several years.
The petition was filed back in 2020 by the Forest Protection Joint Action Committee (JAC), which raised serious concerns about the ecological impact of establishing a radar facility in a sensitive forest zone. The committee argued that the project could affect local biodiversity and disturb wildlife habitats, prompting the court to examine whether necessary environmental safeguards were being followed.
During Thursday’s hearing, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice GM Mohiuddin was visibly unhappy when the government counsel once again sought more time to file the counter affidavit. The bench reminded the counsel that the court had already granted additional time during the previous hearing on October 15, making the latest request unacceptable.
The judges noted that despite multiple opportunities, the government had still not filed its counter even by November 13, the day of the hearing. The bench questioned the repeated delays and made it clear that such a casual approach in a matter involving environmental concerns could not be tolerated.
Making its position firm, the court rejected the plea for another extension and issued a final two-week deadline for the state government to submit its response. The bench stressed that no further delay would be entertained and that the state was expected to take the case seriously.
The matter will now be taken up again on December 15, by which time the government is expected to place its counter affidavit before the court. The outcome of the radar project case is being closely watched by environmental groups and residents of the region, who believe the judgment could have long-term implications for forest conservation efforts in Telangana.