Apex court to supersede Madras HC, nod for Chennai-Salem Expressway likely

Chennai

Supreme Court is expected to set aside Madras High Court's earlier ruling to halt the centre from acquiring lands for Chennai-Salem green field expressway.

The 277.30 km expressway is said cater for swift commutation.

The Bench consisting of  Justices Krishna Murari, A M Khanwilkar and BR Gavai quashed the Madras High Court ruling with the volition of National Highways act.

However, this leeway for central government is restricted to reversing Madras HC's quashing of notification for acquiring land.

Chennai-Salem expressway project under the 'Bharatmala Pariyojana', was opposed by various sections like environmental activists and politicians (rivals and allies alike).

The High court's division bench comprising of Justices T S Sivagnanam and V Bhavani Subbaroyan heard writ petitions by people including PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

On April 8, 2019, the court said that proper environmental clearance was required to begin this project, as the petitioners alleged agricultural and reserved forest lands come in the way.

In addition to this, the court observed the project report to be a 'copy paste' work done with hurry.

Citing many laxities, the high court quashed notifications for acquisition of land for the highway project. Central Government and National Highway Authority of India filed appeals with the Supreme Court. The topmost court is likely to declare a judgement in favour of the project.