Gujarat HC Issues Notice to State Government in PIL Against Rama News Print Limited’s ‘Clear’ water Bottling Plant in Surat

Surat :  The Gujarat High Court has  issued a notice to the Gujarat Government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Yogendra Patel, highlighting the alleged violations committed by Rama News Print Limited for setting up water bottling plant for the ‘Clear’ mineral water brand.

The PIL brings to light the company’s blatant disregard for norms by setting up and operating a water bottling plant, branded as ‘CLEAR,’ without seeking the necessary permissions from the Barbodhan Village Panchayat and the Surat Urban Development Authority (SUDA). The water bottling plant is located within the premises of their factory in Barbodhan village, Olpad taluka, Surat.

In his PIL, Patel alleges that Rama News Print Limited has not only violated the agreement with the irrigation department, which restricts the use of irrigation water for the purposes other than newsprint or newspaper roll production, but has also shut down its newspaper factory. The diverted water is now being utilized for the water bottling operations under the brand name ‘Clear’ within the company premises.

Additionally, it has been revealed that Rama News Print Limited is engaged in job work for the emerging mineral water brand.

The petitioner, Yogendra Patel, took the matter to the Gujarat High Court, which conducted a hearing on Tuesday. Bhavik Ranjit Samani, the learned counsel representing the petitioner, appeared before the court on his behalf.

Honorable Acting Chief Justice Shri AJ Desai and Honorable Justice Shri Biren Vaishnav of the Gujarat High Court have taken cognizance of the PIL and issued a notice to the Gujarat Government, requiring them to submit their reply on the matter by July 31, 2023. The court’s action signifies the importance of addressing the alleged violations committed by Rama News Print Limited and the need for the state government to provide clarity and accountability in this regard.

The outcome of this PIL will have significant implications for the operations of Rama News Print Limited’s water bottling plant and the usage of diverted water from irrigation sources. The court’s decision will play a crucial role in determining the adherence to regulations, environmental sustainability, and the protection of public interests.