In a novel, environmental-friendly move, the Madras High Court has set up an ‘Environmental Fund’, to finance tree plantations or maintenance of water bodies, out of the costs imposed on litigants or voluntary donations by them. The Madurai bench of justice D Krishnakumar created the fund, when two parties to a civil case opted to contribute Rs 25,000 together to a welfare organisation, after their dispute was resolved by the Mediation and Conciliation Centre.
See also: States ‘diverting’ funds meant for environment protection: SC
The judge noted that when the parties in such cases volunteered to contribute some amount for a welfare measure, earlier, the court would order remission of the amount to various organisations under different heads. “This court is of the firm view that it is appropriate that the cost can also be paid to the Environmental Fund (EF),” justice Krishnakumar said. The judge also framed guidelines for the EF and said the member secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority would open a separate ‘EF’ account, to deposit amounts received from various courts under this head.
The amounts would be received under the head ‘EF’ and be used for planting and nurturing trees. The same fund could be used to clean and maintain water bodies also, he said. The taluk legal services committees could identify places to plant saplings and maintain it, while the district legal services authorities should submit a consolidated proposal to the member secretary, requesting release of amounts from the EF, the judge said.
Press Trust of India (PTI), headquartered in New Delhi, is India’s largest news agency. It was registered in 1947 and started operations in 1949. PTI has more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers, who generate more than 2,000 stories and 200 photographs every day. Subscribers to PTI’s feed include the mainstream media, research groups, specialised presses, companies, government organisations and NGOs.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PressTrustofIndia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PTI_News
Email: [email protected]
Related Posts
Madras HC steps in again to safeguard Chennai’s marshland.
Madras HC declines to relax order banning registration of unapproved plots.
No regularisation of unauthorised buildings without its permission, says Madras HC.
Plea in HC, to nullify land acquisition for Chennai-Salem highway project.
Salem-Chennai Expressway project is of national importance: NHAI informs SC.
Madras HC order paves the way for phase II of Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System.
