The National Green Tribunal (NGT), headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar, is hearing cases of illegal construction in the hill town of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh. On Tuesday (September 19), the green court heard several arguments again. The counsel for the Himachal Pradesh government told the Tribunal that notices had been issued to hotels to appear before it and present their case, but many did not show up on Tuesday.

Take serious cognizance of the lapse, the Tribunal issued bailable warrants against many hotels to ensure that they are present before it on the next date of hearing.

NGT also asked for a status report on all the vacant plots listed before it on Tuesday. The town planning authority shall go and check out these plots, it ruled, and said that an affidavit in this regard should be filed at the next hearing.

For those who were present before the Tribunal but were yet to file replies, the NGT asked them to do so within two weeks.

Those who had already filed their replies were asked to submit rejoinders within a week.

The matter was listed for October 9

 —India Legal Bureau