ORDER :

Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, C.J.

1. The submissions of the learned counsel appearing for the parties were heard yesterday.

FACTUAL MATRIX

2. The challenge in this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is to the provisions of the Karnataka Regulation of Stone Crushers (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 (for short "the said Ordinance") and the Karnataka Regulation of Stone Crushers (Amendment) Act, 2020 (for short "the Amendment Act") which has replaced the said Ordinance.

3. The Karnataka Regulation of Stone Crushers Act, 2011 came into force from 7th day of September 2011 which provides that no person shall carry on the business of stone crushing in the State except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a licence issued under the said Act of 2011.

4. Writ Petition No. 17078 of 1997 was filed by one Sri Obayya Pujary and two others in this Court in the nature of a Public Interest Litigation inviting the attention of the Court to the uncontrolled activity of stone crushing in the State of Karnataka which resulted into air and noise pollution having drastic consequences. By the judgment and order dated 10th July 1998, this Court issued various directions in p