SC seeks response from Adani Group

New Delhi, Nov 14 (UNI) The Supreme Court today sought response of the Adani group on a contempt of court petition alleging that the company was flouting the orders of the apex court by damaging forest area and also filling up of creek, while developing Rs 7400 crore Mundra Port SEZ in Gujarat.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice P Sathasivam directed the Adani group to file their response within three weeks to the allegations made by the petitioner Jat Imram Saleem in his contempt of court petition.

Senior Counsel Ruington Nariman, appearing for Adani group, however, denied the allegations and submitted before the court that the Deputy Collector of the area has already visited the area four times and has assured that no orders of the court are being flouted, and that the Adanis were ready to give a undertaking that they will abide by the directions of the court dated July 10, 2008.

However, Senior Counsel Soli Sorabjee, appearing for the petitioner contended that large forest area was being damaged by the alleged comtemner in violation of the apex court's order. And they are liable to be prosecuted for contempt of the court, for wilfully and deliberately disobeying the orders of the court.

The Adani group, country's leading trading and export company, had earlier alleged that the petition has been filed with ulterior motive.

UNI/SC PY RP CS1928