SC Refuses To Entertain Plea Challenging TN Govt's Decision To Construct 'Pen' Statue In Karunanidhi's Memory

The Apex Court asked why cannot the NGT (National Green Tribunal) hear it if it is about environmental concerns.

Senior advocate P Wilson said the plea is "politically motivated" and there was "no public interest".  ( Image Source :PTI )

The Supreme Court refused to accept a PIL challenging Tamil Nadu government's decision to construct 134 feet tall 'pen' memorial in memory of former TN CM Kalaignar Karunanidhi on Marina Beach. The Apex Court, however, granted liberty to the petitioners to approach other forums for alternative remedies. A bench of Justices SK Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia dismissed the PIL on Tuesday. 

According to IANS, the bench asked, "If this is about environmental concerns, why cannot the NGT (National Green Tribunal) hear it? Why should everything come directly to the Supreme Court." 

Appearing for DMK government, senior advocate P Wilson said the plea is "politically motivated" and there was "no public interest". 

The advocate submitted that there was no harm either to fishermen or Olive Ridley turtles. The PIL is "shadow fighting". 

Earlier, a Madurai resident moved a plea in the Supreme Court challenging Tamil Nadu government's decision to construct 134-ft-tall 'pen' statue as a tribute on Marina Beach. The petitioner opposed the move stating that the activities are likely to be carried out in strictly restricted areas under CRZ notification. 

KK Ramesh, the petitioner and a resident of Madurai said, "The expert opinions suggest that the devastating floods faced in recent years Tamil Nadu this year are the immediate result of uncontrolled construction activities on sea shores and unscrupulous trespass into the natural path of backwaters."

The uncontrolled construction activities will have devastating effects on the natural flow of water, he said.

The petitioner added that while the memorial may be placed in a number of locations throughout Chennai, doing so on the beach would have an adverse effect on the surrounding marine habitat. He also mentioned that political parties and fishing associations voiced their opposition to the memorial.