ORDER

We have, at length, heard learned counsel for the parties including learned counsel for the Union of India.

2. An affidavit dated 7th February, 2017 filed by the Union of India has been shown to us.

3. Annexed to the affidavit is an Office Memorandum issued on 6th January, 2017 with reference to the Draft Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2016. The Draft Rules were made available to the public for inviting objections/suggestions some time in March, 2016. As many as 175 comments were received. For the examination of these comments, a Committee has been constituted. The Committee was given 45 days to look into the suggestions and submit its report to the Union of India.

4. We are told orally by learned counsel appearing for the Union of India that perhaps the term of the Committee may need to be extended. This is stated by him on the basis of information received pursuant to a meeting held yesterday, i.e., 7th February, 2017 by the said Committee.

5. Be that as it may, for the reasons given below, we are compelled to direct that the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2016 should be notified on or before 30th June, 2017. We are compelled to issue this direction