This writ petition filed by Neyveli Lignite Corporation, a top performing Central Public Sector Undertaking accredited with the status of “Navaratna” and is likely to be elevated to the status of “Maharatna”, challenging the order passed by the Loss of Ecology Authority re-fixing the compensation for removal of fly ash slurry from Rs. 27 to Rs. 30, is a classic example as to how State themselves contribute for the delay in disposal of cases by adding cases to the Himalayan arrears in Courts by filing worthless proceedings involving negligible amount, on flimsy grounds.

The facts:

2. The petitioner Company was incorporated in the year 1956 and it was established after a detailed techno-economic survey which revealed availability of abundant lignite in and around Neyveli which would be useful for generating electricity to meet the ever-growing demand for power in the Southern States of the country. Neyveli Lignite Corporation (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Corporation’), through its two Thermal Power Stations, with an installed capacity of 2070 m.w. supplies power to the four southern states and in particular to the State of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry.

3. The lignite mined is car