Ravindra Gunawardena Kariyawasam Vs. Central Environment Authority and others (Chunnakam case) – SC FR 141/2015-2015

Brief
In the case between Ravindra Gunawardena Kariyawasam, Chairman, Centre for Environment and Nature Studies (representing Chunnakam residents), and the Northern Power Company (Pvt) Ltd, along with relevant state agencies, the Supreme Court addressed whether the respondent’s operation of a thermal power station constituted a “prescribed project” requiring environmental review and proper regulatory compliance. It was held that the operation and capacity expansion of the power station occurred without the mandated Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Protection License, and that the Central Environmental Authority and Board of Investment failed in their statutory obligations to enforce environmental safeguards. Substantial evidence established severe contamination of groundwa