Timely consideration of applications under environmental statutes is necessary to meet regulatory compliance and procedural fairness.

JUDGMENT

The above Writ Petition (C) is filed with the following prayers:

"i)issue a writ of mandamus or such other writ or order directing the first respondent to consider and pass appropriate orders in Exhibit P4 application filed by the petitioner in Form 5 under the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wet land Act , 2008; within such time which this Hon’ble Court may deem fit to grant.

ii)dispense with the production of the English translation of Exhibits which are in vernacular language; and iii)grant such other reliefs as this Court deems fit in the facts and circumstances of the case."

[SIC]

2. When this Writ Petition came up for consideration, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner will be satisfied if a direction is issued to consider Ext.P4 Form – 5 application within a time frame.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader.

4. After hearing both sides, I think there can be a direction to consider Ext.P4 application within a time frame.

Therefore, this Writ Petition is disposed of in the following manner:

1. The 3^rd respondent is directed to submit the necessary report based on the Ext.P4 application to the 1^st respondent/Authorised Officer, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.

2. The 1^st respondent/Authorised O to consider Ext.P4 application (if it is pending and if it is in order) based on the report received from the 3^rd respondent, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the report.

3. The petitioner will produce a certified copy of this judgment, along with a copy of this Writ Petition with exhibits, before the 1^st and 3^rd respondents for compliance.

Sd/-

P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN JUDGE AJ