JUDGMENT :

A.M. Khanwilkar, C.J.

We have heard counsel for the parties at length. We propose to dispose of all the three writ petitions together by this common judgment. The first petition (CWP No. 2980 of 2012) has been filed by four petitioners in February, 2012, questioning the proposed Bajoli-Holi Hydroelectric Project at river Ravi in District Chamba. The reliefs claimed in this petition, purportedly filed as Public Interest Litigation, read thus:-

(A) The environment clearance dated 24.1.2011 issued by Respondent no. 3 (Annexure- P14) in favour of the Respondent no. 7 may be quashed and set aside.

(B) The in-principle approval dated 08-07-2011 (Annexure P-13) issued by Respondent no. 1 and 4 for diversion of 75.303 hectare forest land may be quashed and set aside.

(C) The Respondents no. 1 and 3 may be directed not to issue further clearances without taking into consideration the Pre Feasibility Report prepared by the Respondent no. 6.

(D) The Respondent no. 1 and 3 may be directed to implement the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 while issuing clearances if any to the project proponents in the state