Skip to Content

Centre for Environmental Rights – Advancing Environmental Rights in South Africa

Support Us Join our Mailing List

Virtual Library

Pro Public and another v Godavari Marble Industries Ltd and others

16 April 2015

Nepal Supreme Court 

Date: 16 April 2015

Judge: Honourable Justices Sushila Karki, Govind Kumar Upadhayaya and Jagdish Sharma Poudel

Legislation considered: Article 16(1) of the Interim Constitution of Nepal

Summary

This matter concerned the closing down of a marble quarry in the Godavari Valley near Kathmandu. The applicants challenged the decision of the Nepalese government to grant an extension to a mining right held by Godavari Marble Industries Ltd in respect of the Godavari Valley, an extremely important and sensitive ecosystem, The court found that the decision to extend the mining right was unlawful on account of the damage the mining operation would cause to the environment would offend the right to a clean environment as enshrined in Article 16(1) of the Interim Constitution of Nepal. The court set aside the decision to extend the mining right and order the Minister of Environment to declare the Godavari Valley a protected area.

Download the judgment (translated into English by ELaw)