Supreme Court of India
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD.versusUNION OF INDIA AND ORS
- Citation
- 2023 INSC 91
- Decided
- 1 February 2023
- Disposal
- Case Partly allowed
- Bench
- K M JOSEPH
Holding
The Court held that the storage tanks located outside the Chennai Port limits are not permissible under the 2011 CRZ Notification, rendering the post‑facto clearance invalid, while the pipeline remains a permitted activity.
Summary
K.T.V. Health Food Pvt. Ltd. sought to continue operating a storage terminal and an underground pipeline for edible oil imported through Chennai Port. The Union of India, invoking the 2011 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification under the Environment Protection Act, granted post‑facto clearance under paragraph‑4.3, which the National Green Tribunal (NGT) later set aside, holding the storage facility illegal because it was not located ‘in’ the Chennai Port as required by CRZ‑II. The Supreme Court examined the meaning of the words ‘in’ and ‘within’ in the Notification, the scope of paragraph‑4.3, and whether a Customs Act licence could render the site a ‘customs port’. It concluded that the storage tanks lie outside the port limits and cannot be deemed permissible; the ex‑post‑facto clearance is therefore invalid, though the pipeline is a permitted activity. The Court ordered demolition of the storage tanks, allowed limited time for compensation payment, and directed the appellants to approach the District Coastal Zone Management Authority regarding the pipeline.
Issues considered
- The validity of ex post facto clearance under paragraph‑4.3 of the 2011 CRZ Notification for the storage terminal.
- Whether storage of non‑hazardous cargo such as edible oil is permitted ‘in’ a notified port under CRZ‑II.
- The correct interpretation of the terms ‘in’ versus ‘within’ in the CRZ Notification.
- Whether a licence under Section 57 of the Customs Act can make the storage area a ‘customs port’ and thus satisfy the ‘in a notified port’ requirement.
- Whether the pipeline construction is permissible under CRZ‑I provisions.
- The propriety of the NGT’s order directing demolition of the storage tanks and imposition of environmental compensation.
Legislation cited
- Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011s. Paragraph‑3, s. Paragraph‑4, s. Paragraph‑4.3, s. Paragraph‑8
- Customs Acts. 2(11), s. 2(12), s. 2(13), s. 57, s. 7(a)
- Environment (Protection) Acts. 3, s. 4.3
- Indian Ports Act
- Major Port Trust Acts. 35
- National Green Tribunal Acts. 22
Subjects
Coastal Regulation ZoneCRZ‑IICRZ‑IIIenvironmental clearanceex post facto approvalstatutory interpretationport regulationscustoms actmajor ports actpipelinestorage tankenvironmental compensationsustainable development
Judgment
246 [2023]COURT
SUPREME 9 S.C.R.REPORTS
246 : 2023 INSC 91[2023] 9 S.C.R.
A K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD.
v.
UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.
CIVIL APPEAL NO.3626 OF 2020
B FEBRUARY 01, 2023
[K. M. JOSEPH, B. V. NAGARATHNA AND
J. B. PARDIWALA, JJ.]
Environment Protection Act, 1986 – 2011 Notification issued
under the 1986 Act – Respondent No.1 granted ex post facto
C clearance to the appellant purportedly invoking paragraph-4.3 of
the aforesaid Notification, for laying of pipeline for the transfer of
edible oil from the Chennai Port to the storage terminal tank and
for the establishment of the storage transit terminal – NGT held
that the activity of putting up a storage tank transit terminal being
D contrary to the 2011 Notification was illegal as the storage terminal
was not located ‘in’ the Chennai Port, in which case alone, it would
have been permissible under the permitted activities of Coastal
Regulation Zone II – Construction of the storage facility and the
pipeline were directed to be removed, environmental compensation
imposed – Appellant inter alia contended that CRZ-II being less
E sensitive than CRZ-I, in CRZ-I, the “storage of edible oil inter alia
is permitted within the notified ports” while, in CRZ-II, storage of
non-hazardous cargo such as edible oil, fertilizers and foodgrain
is permitted ‘in notified ports’ – And since the word ‘within’ which is
used in CRZ-I is not employed in regard to the similar activity in
F CRZ-II and instead the word ‘in’ is used, they must receive a different
meaning – Held: Objects of the notification include guarding against
the dangers of natural hazards in coastal areas and the sea level
rise due to global warming – The coastal regulation appears to be
based on considerations which appear to accommodate conflicting
interests premised on considerations of what is felt as indispensably
G necessary and the nature of the zone in question – Words ‘within’
and ‘in’ cannot include what is outside the port – The maker of the
notification has not even contemplated the activities in question in
a ‘port area’ – A storage tank cannot be permitted outside the port
limits – If the same is allowed, it will introduce chaos – Question
would arise as to up to what distance from the port area it would be
H
246
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 247
ORS.
considered as the ‘in the port area’ – The 2011 Notification cannot A
receive an interpretation which would leave matters of moment to
be afflicted with the vice of uncertainty – As far as the pipeline is
concerned, it is located in a zone where it is permitted activity – As
to whether the pipeline can continue to be used if the storage tanks
are demolished is a matter which must engage the attention of the
B
authorities – Appellants may approach the relevant District Coastal
Zonal Management Authority – Appellants given six months period
to demolish the storage tanks to comply with the impugned order of
the NGT – Appellant in the first appeal to pay the compensation
ordered within a month – Major Port Trust Act, 1964 – s. 35 –
Customs Act – ss.2(11), (12), (13), 7(a), 57 – Indian Ports Act, 1908 C
– National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Customs Act – ss.7(a), 57 – Indian Ports Act, 1908 – Major
Port Trust Act, 1964 – s. 35 – Held: Every port falling under the
Indian Port Act and the Major Port Act may not be on their own
become a customs port – A customs port u/s.2(12) comes into being D
on a port being appointed as such u/s.7(a) – The case of the appellant
based on the license u/s.57 of the Customs Act may make it a customs
area as it includes a warehouse but, it is inconceivable as to how it
would transform it into ‘in a notified port’ – Environment Protection
Act, 1986.
E
Partly allowing the appeals, the Court
HELD: 1.1 The Central Government declared certain areas
as Coastal Regulation Zone (‘CRZ’). The CRZ in the First Clause
consists of the land area from high tide line to 500 meters on the
land along the sea front. The High Tide line is the line based on F
the highest water mark during the spring tide. We may only further
notice that among the other 4 categories of CRZ, the CRZ
includes the water and the bed area between the LTL (LOW TIDE
LINE)(which line is based on the lowest height of the water body
during the spring tide) to the territorial water limit (12 nautical
miles) in the case of the sea and the water bed and area between G
the LTL at the bank to the LTL on the opposite of the bank of the
tidal influenced water bodies. CRZ has been classified under para
7 into CRZ I, CRZ II, CRZ III, CRZ IV and CRZ V. This Court is
concerned with CRZ II. Paragraph-3 provides for prohibited
activities within CRZ. This Court may notice that it is divided H
248 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A into 14 categories and the noticeable feature is that certain
exceptions to the prohibitions are also declared. Of relevance to
the cases before us, are certain Clauses in paragraph-3. [Paras
21 and 22][262-F-H; 263-A-B, E]
1.2 Paragraph-3(xi) provides for prohibition of construction
B activity in CRZ1 except those specified in para 8 of the
notification. This Court need not be detained with various others
clauses. Regulation 4 deals with permissible activities in CRZ
area. It is declared that activities which are enumerated under
paragraph-4 shall be regulated except those prohibited in
paragraph-3. This means what is prohibited in paragraph-3 cannot
C either be permitted or regulated within the meaning of paragraph-
4. Since Clause 2 of paragraph-4 provides that the activities
described thereunder would require clearance from MoEF, the
question would arise as to whether for the other activities, which
are permissible, does it require clearance? Paragraph-4.2
D provides the answer. It provides for the procedure for clearance
of permissible activities. Various formalities have to be
undergone. Originally, the 2011 notification did not provide for
any ex post facto approval. It is in the year 2018, i.e., on 09.03.2018
that paragraph-4.3 came to be inserted in the 2011 Notification.
It will at once be noticed that thereunder violation of ‘norms’
E would disentitle a person to post facto clearance. The norms are
laid down in Paragraph-8. Paragraph-8 provided for regulation of
activities permissible under the 2011 Notification. It declares that
the development or construction activities in different categories
of CRZ shall be regulated by the concerned CZMA in accordance
F with the norms. [Paras 27-29][264-G-H; 266-F-G; 267-D-E]
1.3 CRZ-III, comprised of area up to 200 meters from HTL
on the landward side in the case of sea front inter alia. It is marked
as the NDZ [or No Development Zone}. It was, inter alia, provided
that NDZ shall not apply “in such area falling within any notified
G port”. There are various restrictions therein. Certain activities
were shown as permitted activities in the NDZ. They included in
Clause (e) facilities for receipt and storage of petroleum products
and liquified gas as specified in Annexure-II. Interestingly, in
regard to the area between 200 meters to 500 meters falling in
CRZ-III, paragraph-8 permitted storage of non-hazardous cargo
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 249
ORS.
such as edible oil, fertilizers, foodgrains ‘in’ notified ports. [Para A
31][269-D-E]
1.4 It will be noticed that the Certificate is silent as regards
the storage facility and it being in the port. The Certificate does
not exactly declare that there is no space at the Chennai port.
Appellants may be correct in contending that edible oil is not B
hazardous and that edible oil imports may be necessary to meet
the requirement of a growing population. It may be true that there
is no manufacturing process which may be involved in
constructing or maintaining the storage facility. [Para 35][270-G-
H; 271-A]
C
1.5 A perusal of the 2011 notification reveals the following
as the avowed objects: (i) ensuring livelihood security to the fisher
communities and other communities living in the coastal areas,
(ii) conservation and protection of coastal stretches; (iii) the
protection of the unique environment of the coastal stretches
and its marine area; (iv) promotion or development through D
sustainable manner based on scientific principles taking into
account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastal areas; (v)
the aspect of sea level rise due to global warming. Therefore,
This Court is unable to agree with the appellants that as the laying
of the pipeline would result in greater efficiency in the functioning E
of the port or for that matter, it would reduce the traffic congestion,
and what is more, thereby there would be a reduction in the
pollution may not by itself be relevant or for concluding the issue.
It is the duty of the Court to glean the true object of a law and
give effect to it. It is equally the duty of the Court to eschew from
its consideration matters which may not be strictly germane to F
the object. [Para 36][271-C-F]
1.6 In paragraph- 8(I)(i)(b), construction of pipelines, inter
alia, was permitted. It is thereafter that in paragraph-8(II), under
CRZ-II, Clause VI contemplated permitting of storage of non-
hazardous cargo, such as edible oil, fertilizers and food grain ‘in’ G
notified ports. We may broaden our inquiry into the relevant
contents of CRZIII. CRZ-III of the 2011 Notification was divided
into area ‘A’, which, inter alia, dealt with areas up to 200 meters
from HTL on the landward side in the case of sea front. The said
Clause proclaimed further that the said area would be a No H
250 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A Development Zone (NDZ). This Court notices that in CRZ-III
the NDZ was not to be applicable in ‘such areas’ within any port
limits. Thus, the expression ‘within’ made its appearance in
relation to notified port limits again. In the permitted activities
in the NDZ under area ‘A’, viz., up to 200 meters as aforesaid,
this Court finds Clause (e), which permitted facilities for receipt
B
and storage of petroleum products and liquified petroleum gas
as specified in Annexure-II. Area B of CRZ-III is described as
the area comprised from 200 meters to 500 meters. Since the
CRZ itself would terminate upon the 500 meters distance being
obtained, this constituted, in other words, the residuary area, of
C CRZ-III. Under the same we notice that again facilities for receipt
and storage of petroleum products and liquified natural gas as
specified in Annexure-II was permitted. This Court may bear in
mind that the very same activity had also been contemplated in
area A of CRZ-III, viz., the area comprised to 200 meters of the
high tide line of the landward area in the case of the sea front,
D
inter alia. Interestingly, when it comes to storage of nonhazardous
cargo, such as edible oils fertilizers and food grain ‘in’ the notified
ports, it was permitted activity in area ‘B’ of CRZ-III under Clause
4 thereof, that is, an area located between 200 metres to 500
metres. It must be noticed that CRZ-III had been classified in
E paragraph-7 essentially as relatively undisturbed area, which did
not belong to either CRZ-I or II, which included the coastal zone
in rural areas, both developed and undeveloped and also areas
within municipal limits or in other legally designated urban areas,
which were not substantially built up. This Court has already
noticed the classification of CRZ-II earlier, as areas which had
F
been developed up to or close to the shore line. Can it then be
said that storage of non-hazardous cargo, such as edible oil,
fertilizers food grain, permitted in the notified ports in CRZ-III,
Area ‘B’, be also permitted in CRZ-III Area ‘A’? Going by the
contents of CRZ-III under activities which were permitted in the
G NDZ, we are unable to find any clause which permitted such
storage of non-hazardous cargo including edible oil, inter alia.
Therefore, in the NDZ area falling under area ‘A’ of CRZ-III, it
may have been impermissible. [Para 42][274-E-H; 275-A-E]
1.7 Going by the definition of the word ‘in’, it includes ‘so
H as to be enclosed, surrounded or inside’. One way of looking at
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 251
ORS.
the word ‘in’ the notified port in para 8(II)(vi) would be that storage A
of non-hazardous material is permitted inside the notified port.
This Court notices that the definition of the word ‘within’ also
includes the word meaning inside. No doubt, Justice Oliver
Wendell Holmes declared: “A word is not a crystal, transparent
and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may vary
B
greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and
time in which it is used.” [Para 45][276-G-H; 277-A]
1.8 Chennai Port is a Port, which is, admittedly, a major
port within the meaning of Major Ports Act, 1964. Another
enactment, which deals with ports, is the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
The appellants would contend that, while the storage facility may C
not be located within the Chennai Port, it is licenced under Section
57 of the Customs Act as a customs station. In the Major Ports
Act, the word ‘port’ is defined in Section 2(q). [Para 47][277-D-
E]
1.9 It is not the case of the appellants that the storage is D
located within the limits of the Chennai Port as contemplated in
Section 2(q). It is, therefore, not inside the said Port. However,
it is appellants case that the storage facility is located in the
Customs notified area. This is based on the license issued under
Section 57 of the Customs Act. Thus, every port falling under E
the Indian Port Act and the Major Port Act may not be on their
own become a customs port. A customs port under Section 2(12)
comes into being on a port being appointed as such under Section
7(a). A customs station no doubt, includes any customs port and
a land customs station. The case of the appellant based on the
license under Section 57 of the Customs Act may make it a F
customs area as it includes a warehouse but it is inconceivable
as to how it would transform it into ‘in a notified port’. [Paras 49
and 52][277-H; 278-A; 279-A-B]
1.10 CRZ-II has been classified in para 7 as areas that have
been developed up to or close to the shore line. The storage G
tank of the appellant in the first case appears to be located at a
distance of 160 feet from the shore line. At the same time, it is
located a few kilometres away from the Chennai port. This Court
has already noticed that under CRZ III, the facility of storage of
non-hazardous materials including edible oil is permitted only at H
252 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A a distance between 200-500 meters. This is even though both
handling and storage of petroleum products is permitted, both
within a distance of up to 200 meters from the high tide line as
also between 200-500 meters from the high tide line. It may defy
logic. At least at first blush. This Court has already set out the
objects of the notification. They include guarding against the
B
dangers of natural hazards in coastal areas and the sea level rise
due to global warming. This is no doubt also to be balanced with
the need for sustainable development. The coastal regulation
appears to be based on considerations which appear to
accommodate conflicting interests premised on considerations
C of what is felt as indispensably necessary and the nature of the
zone in question. Allowing storage facilities for non-hazardous
activities like edible oil, is, apparently, considered as an
indispensable part of the operation of a port. The Port Authorities
would have full control over the storage facility located within its
limits. No doubt, Section 35 of the Major Port Trust Act, 1964,
D
inter alia, empowers the port to execute works outside its limits
for securing and storing goods to be landed or to be shipped.
The storage tanks in question are not works executed by the
port. [Para 55][280-A-F]
1.11 Paragraph-8(I)(i)(b), undoubtedly, related to permitting
E of pipelines being constructed in CRZ-I. Paragraph-8(I)(ii) related
to CRZ-I. The further reference is only to paragraph 8(II)(vi)
which permits the activity in question ‘in’ notified ports. The
aspect relating to buildings being permitted on the landward side
of the existing road dealt with in paragraph 8(II)(i) was not the
F basis for the decision even according to the counter affidavit.
This is apart from the fact that impugned decision of the first
respondent does not proceed on the basis of paragraph 8 (II)(i).
This is also apart from noticing the contention of Respondent
No.5 that storage facility being specifically dealt with, ‘building’
under paragraph-8(II)(i), would not include storage facility. We
G would therefore, think that we must not be persuaded to allow
the appellants or allow them to lean on paragraph 8(II)(i) of the
2011 Notification. The authorities are experts. They have applied
their minds. Their understanding should govern. At least, it
should be given the weight that is due to them. [Paras 57 and
H 58][281-B-E]
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 253
ORS.
1.12 That the authorities have proceeded on a particular A
basis, may as well betray their erroneous understanding. That
such views do not clinch the issue relating to the construction of
the law is elementary. This Court would think that in the facts of
this case and on a construction of the statute or the law in question,
viz., the 2011 notification, the understanding of the authorities if
B
that be the basis of the contention, cannot overwhelm our
understanding of the notification. This Court again reiterate that
the words ‘within’ and ‘in’ cannot include what is outside the port.
The maker of the notification has not even contemplated the
activities in question in a ‘port area’. This Court must here
elucidate and observe that if the contention is to be upheld that a C
storage tank can be permitted outside the port limits, it will
introduce chaos. The question would arise as to up to what
distance from the port area it would be considered as the ‘in the
port area’. The 2011 Notification cannot receive an interpretation
which would leave matters of moment to be afflicted with the
D
vice of uncertainty. This is apart from the importance of avoiding
an interpretation which seemingly allows free play in the joints to
the Administrator but, at the same time, vest an arbitrary power
in him. Ex post facto permission can be given for permitted
activity as found by the NGT itself. No doubt, the pipeline, may
have meaning only as so far as it is connected to the storage E
tank. As to whether the pipeline can continue to be used if the
storage tanks are demolished is a matter which must engage the
attention of the authorities. In regard to the pipelines, it would
be the District Coastal Zonal Management Authority, which could
take a decision. [Para 59 and 60][283-A-D, F-G]
F
1.13 As regards the pipelines which have been drawn, the
appellants may approach the relevant District Coastal Zonal
Management Authority within a period of one month from today.
The District Coastal Zonal Management Authority will consider
any application made in regard to the continued use of the pipeline
and take a decision in accordance with law within a further period G
of six weeks from the date of the receipt of the application. The
appellants are accordingly given a period of six months from today
to comply with the impugned order of the NGT. This is in regard
to the direction to demolish the storage tanks. The appellant in
H
254 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A the first appeal is given a month’s time to pay the compensation
ordered, if not already paid.[Paras 61 and 62][283-G-H; 284-A-
C]
M. Nizamudeen v. Chemplast Sanmar Limited and Others
(2010) 4 SCC 240 : [2010] 3 SCR 315; Goa Foundation
B v. Union of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 460 of
2004; Electrosteel Steels Limited v. Union of India and
Others (2021) SCC OnLine 1247; Pahwa Plastics Pvt.
Ltd. and Another v. Dastak NGO and Others (2022)
SCC OnLine SC 362; Gajubha Jadeja Jesar v. Union
of India and Others (2022) SCC OnLine SC 993;
C Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. Rohit Prajapati and
Others (2020) 17 SCC 157; K.P. Varghese v. Income
Tax Officer, Ernakulam and Another 1981 (4) SCC 173
: [1982] 1 SCR 629; Indian Council for Enviro-Legal
Action v. Union of India (1996) 5 SCC 281 : [1996] 1
D Suppl. SCR 507; S. Jagannathan v. Union of India and
others (1997) 2 SCC 87 : [1996] 9 Suppl. SCR 848;
Piedade Filomena Gonsalves v. State of Goa (2004) 3
SCC 445 : [2004] 2 SCR 1135; Vaamika Island (Green
Lagoon Resort) v. Union of India (2013) 8 SCC 760 :
[2013] 17 SCR 965; Kapico Kerala Resorts (P) Ltd. v.
E State of Kerala (2020) 3 SCC 18 : [2020] 1 SCR 909;
Kerala State Coastal Zone Management Authority v.
State of Kerala (2019) 7 SCC 248 : [2019] 8 SCR 625
– referred to.
Case Law Reference
F
[2010] 3 SCR 315 relied on Para 12
[1982] 1 SCR 629 referred to Para 16
[1996] 1 Suppl. SCR 507 referred to Para 19
[1996] 9 Suppl. SCR 848 referred to Para 19
G
[2004] 2 SCR 1135 referred to Para 19
[2013] 17 SCR 965 referred to Para 19
[2020] 1 SCR 909 referred to Para 19
H [2019] 8 SCR 625 referred to Para 19
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 255
ORS.
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal No.3626 A
of 2020.
From the Judgment and Order dated 30.09.2020 of the National
Green Tribunal, Southern Zone, Chennai in Appeal No.04 of 2019.
With
B
Civil Appeal No.3639 of 2020
Ranjit Kumar, Dhruv Mehta, Sr. Advs., R.Sarvana Kumar,
R.Jawahar Lal, Siddharth Bawa, Anuj Garg, Mohit Sharma, Mayank
Kshirsagar, Advs. for the Appellant.
C
Ms. Aishwarya Bhati, A.S.G., Amit Anand Tiwari, A.A.G., Ms.
Anitha Shenoy, Sr. Adv., Ritwick Dutta, Ms. Srishti Agnihotri, Ms.
Ayushma Awasthi, Ms. Sanjana Grace Thomas, Ms. Namrata Sarah
Caleb, Ms. Itisha Awasthi, Ms. Sruthi K., Ms. Mantika Vohra, Gurmeet
Singh Makker, Ms. Archana Pathak Dave, Navanjay Mahapatra,
Chinmayee Chandra, Ms. Preeti Rani, Dr. Joseph Aristotle S., Ms. D
Devyani Gupta, Ms. Tanvi Anand, Shobhit Dwivedi, T. R. B. Sivakumar,
Advs. for the Respondents.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
K. M. JOSEPH, J. E
1. The Appeals are lodged under Section 22 of the National Green
Tribunal Act, 2010.
C.A. NO. 3626 OF 2020 (THE FIRST APPEAL)
2. The appellant challenges the Order passed by the National F
Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone. By the impugned Order, the NGT
has allowed the appeal filed by Respondent No.5 and set aside
proceedings dated 08.03.2019. By the said proceedings, Respondent No.1
had granted ex post facto clearance purporting to invoke paragraph-4.3
of the Notification issued in the year 2011 (hereinafter referred to as,
‘the 2011 Notification’) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 G
(hereinafter referred to as, ‘the Act’). By the said clearance, the appellant
was given clearance for the laying of pipeline for transfer of edible oil
from the Chennai Port to the storage terminal tank and for the
establishment of the storage transit terminal of the appellant. The NGT
has found that while the ex post facto clearance could be granted under H
256 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A paragraph-4.3, and that it would have prospective operation, however,
the activity of putting up a storage tank transit terminal, being contrary
to the 2011 Notification, the same was illegal. It was found to be illegal
in turn, on the ground that the storage terminal was not located ‘in’ the
Chennai Port, in which case alone, it would have been permissible under
the permitted activities of Coastal Regulation Zone II (for short,‘CRZ
B
II’).
THE FACTS
3. The appellant is in the business of processing and refining edible
oil. Towards the said business, the appellant imports edible oil. The edible
C oil is imported through the Chennai Port. On 05.11.2014, in the public
auction, the appellant purchased an existing storage facility. It was located
at Old Door No. 4061/A and New Survey No. 4061/2 in the Ennore
Expressway. The appellant thereafter, according to it, started the process
to seek approvals for laying an underground pipeline of 4.5 kilometres to
the said storage facility. On payment of Rs.5097921/-, the Chennai Fishing
D
Harbour Management Committee granted permission to lay the
underground pipeline. The NHAI granted permission to lay the
underground pipeline. On 03.03.2015, allegedly based on inspection of
the storage facility, and on payment of charges, including service tax,
the Chennai Port Trust granted permission for laying the underground
E pipeline from the Chennai Port to the storage facility. On 10.07.2015,
purporting to act under paragraph-4 of the 2011 Notification, the appellant
made a proposal to the District Coastal Management Authority, Chennai
(hereinafter referred to as ‘the DCZMA’). It would appear that the said
Body recommended the proposal. The third respondent, viz., the Tamil
Nadu State Coastal Zonal Management Authority (hereinafter referred
F
to as, ‘the State Authority’) considered the proposal and it forwarded
the same through the second respondent, viz., the State of Tamil Nadu
to the first respondent, viz., the Union of India, in the Ministry of
Environment and Forests and Climate Change. Respondent No.4, viz.,
the Expert Appraisal Committee, CRZ, sought two clarifications. On
G 24.08.2016, the Chennai Port Trust issued a Certificate and permitted
the laying of the pipeline, which, according to the appellant, was based
on the need to avoid usage of tanker lorries and as it resulted in better
handling of vessels at the Port. While the recommendation of the third
respondent was pending before the first respondent, appellant started
laying the pipeline with the prior permission of the NHAI, the Chennai
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 257
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
Fishing Harbour Committee and the Port Trust. On 19.10.2016, A
Respondent No. 5 filed O.A. No. 238 of 2016 against the activities of
the appellant in question. A Local Commissioner was appointed, who
inspected the Facility. We may, at this juncture, notice the following
physical features noticed during the inspection.
“1) The premises of the 12th Respondent (in A. No. 238 of 2016), B
M/s. KTV Health Foods Pvt. Ltd., is situated at No.1,2,3,
Suriyanarayana Chetty Street, Tondiarpet, Chennai- 600 001,
facing the Bay of Bengal. In between the premises of the 12th
respondent and Bay of Bengal, the State Highway (Ennore Express
Highway) runs North to South. The State Highway measures about
C
120 Feet in width and from the road, there is a space of about 40
Feet up to the sea shore. Thus, the distance between the entrance
of the 12th respondent and the seashore is about 160 Feet.”
[The appellant was the 12th Respondent]
4. The NGT disposed of the said O.A. noting that the storage D
facility was closed and that till the first respondent took a decision, no
activity will be carried out. It would appear that Respondent No. 4
recommended the proposal for CRZ clearance, subject to certain
conditions. This was even after finding that there was no provision in the
2011 Notification, but taking inspiration from the provisions of the 2006
E
Notification.On 06.02.2018, the 2011 Notification was amended by the
insertion of paragraph-4.3. Based on the said amendment, the State
Authorities recommendations were called for. On 27.12.2018, the storage
facility was inspected by the DCZMA. The Tamil Nadu State Pollution
Control Board, it would appear, intimated the third respondent that except
for not obtaining prior clearance, there was no other violation. Accordingly, F
the State Authority recommended the proposal. It is on this basis, the
first respondent granted post facto clearance by proceedings dated
08.03.2019. The appellant obtained consent to operate from the Pollution
Control Board. On 08.04.2019, the fifth respondent filed the appeal before
the NGT and the NGT has allowed application, as already noticed.
G
CIVIL APPEAL NO. 3639 OF 2020 (THE CONNECTED
APPEAL)
5. The appellant-company is a sister concern of the appellant in
the first Appeal. It has also constructed a storage facility, being engaged
H
258 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A in the business of edible oil, for the purpose of storing the imported edible
oil at a distance of nearly 600 meters from the location of the storage
tank of the appellant in the first Appeal. It has also drawn a pipeline
from the storage tank to the facility it has put up for storing edible oil, for
transmission to its factory. We must mention here that the idea was to
import edible oil, unload it at Chennai Port, take the edible oil by a pipeline
B
to the storage facility and from there, transmit the same by tanker lorries
to their factories, wherein the manufacturing activities were being carried
out.
6. The issues arising in both the Appeals are common and, hence,
we discuss the issues with reference to the first Appeal.
C
THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THE ORDER DATED
08.03.2019 BY THE FIRST RESPONDENT
7. The salient Features of the Order dated 08.03.2019 passed by
the First Respondent:
D
i. The site falls in CRZ II.
ii. Five number of storage tanks have been installed.
iii. Permissions has been obtained from the Chennai Port Trust,
NHAI and the Harbour Management Committee.
E
iv. The project will reduce traffic to the Chennai Port Trust.
v. As per CRZ Notification, vide para 8, storage of non-
hazardous cargo such as edible oil, fertilizers and food grain
can be established ‘only in notified ports’.
F 8. There are other aspects and specific conditions, apart from
general conditions. It is also made clear that the clearance is subject to
the final Order of this Court in the matter of Goa Foundation v. Union
of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 460 of 2004.
THE IMPUGNED ORDERS
G
9. The NGT found merit in the contention of the appellants that
the first respondent had the power to grant ex post facto clearance.
However, it would have only prospective operation. The clearance could,
however, be supported, if the activity which was permitted, was one,
which was contemplated under the 2011 Notification. The Tribunal went
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 259
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
on to note that the storage facilities were not located ‘in’ the Chennai A
Port. In fact, it was on the basis that under paragraph-8 of the 2011
Notification, storage of edible oil, inter alia, was permissible ‘in’ the
limits of a notified port. The attempt of the appellants to support the
clearance with reference to the fact that under permitted activities in
CRZ I, storage of non-hazardous cargo, including edible oil, was permitted
B
‘within’ the limits of a port anda distinction, therefore, existed between
the words ‘within’ and ‘in’, did not find favour with the NGT. It was the
contention of the appellants that being two different words and a
meaningful interpretation being warranted in the case of CRZ I, the
activity to be permitted had to be strictly within the limits of the port.
Both, taking into account the difference in the words used, as also the C
fact that CRZ II contemplated a less harsh regime, the case of the
appellants was that a purposeful interpretation would warrant the view
that the storing of the edible oil in the CRZ II area, could be permitted
even outside the limits of the port. It is this argument that failed.
10. The NGT has found the impugned Order of the first respondent D
illegal. The construction of the storage facility and the pipeline were
directed to be removed. The appellant in the first appeal was directed to
pay environmental compensation in a sum of Rs.25 lakhs. We may only
elucidate that the appellant in the connected appealhad initially succeeded
before the Tribunal. However, it was after allowing a Review Petition,
E
which decision was not challenged and, on hearing the Appeal again,
that the present impugned Order came to be passed.Noting that the
appellant in the connected case was earlier visited with environmental
compensation, no compensation was imposed on it.
11. We heard Shri Ranjit Kumar, learned Senior Counsel for the
F
appellant in the first appeal and also Shri Dhruv Mehta, learned Senior
Counselfor the appellant in the other appeal. We further heard Ms.Anitha
Shenoy, learned senior Counsel on behalf of respondent No.5 and Shri
Anand Tiwari, learned Counsel on behalf of respondents 2 and 3. We
also further heard Mr. Archana Pathak Dave, learned Counsel on behalf
of Union of India. G
12. Shri Ranjit Kumar, learned Senior Counsel would submit that
the appellant was engaged in the manufacture of edible oil. In order to
avoid the traffic snarls and the congestion it caused in the Chennai Port,
it was the Chennai Port itself which suggested that the appellant may
H
260 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A draw the pipeline from the Port area so that the edible oil which was
downloaded on import could be taken to a storage facility and from
there carried to the factory of the appellant. He would submit that the
provisions of 2011 Notification would reveal that paragraph-3 declares
activities which are prohibited. The storage tank has been put up in
CRZ-II area. There are construction activities permitted in CRZ-I area
B
which is the most fragile area. He would take us through the Notification
and point out that on a combined reading of paragraphs-3, 4, 7 and 8, the
following will be the upshot.In regard to CRZ-II, it is less sensitive than
CRZ-I.In CRZ-I, the “storage of edible oil inter alia is permitted within
the notified ports”. In CRZ-II on the other hand, storage of non-hazardous
C cargo such as edible oil, fertilizers and foodgrain ispermitted ‘in notified
ports’. Since the word ‘within’ which is used in CRZ-I is not employed
in regard to the similar activity in CRZ-II and instead the word ‘in’ is
used,the principal contention is that they must receive a different
meaning. He would further contend that this Court may adopt purposive
interpretationand, in this regard, he drew our attention to the judgment of
D
this court in M. Nizamudeen v. ChemplastSanmar Limited and Others1.
The words ‘in notified ports’, occurring in pargraph-8 (II) (vi) of the
2011 Notification must be construed to mean “in or around the notified
ports”.He would submit that storage tanks have been constructed not
within the Chennai Port but on a purposive interpretation, the storage
E tank must be treated as “in” the Chennai Port though it isnot inits notified
limits. The storage container was located in the Customs Notified Area
of the Chennai Port. He would contend that CRZ-II even permits facility
for the storage of petroleum products and liquified natural gas.If that is
so, he poses the question that having regard to the fact that CRZ-II
generally provides for a less harsh regulatory regime and CRZ-I, it may
F
result in an absurdity to not permit storage of non-hazardous cargo which
includes edible oil in CRZ II. He would refer to the company that edible
oil keeps in the clause,namely, fertilizers and foodgrains. He would point
out that it may be absurd to disallow storage of foodgrains, fertilizers
and edible oil in CRZ-II. This is all the more reason to place awider
G meaning on the word ‘in’ the notified port.
13. Shri Ranjit Kumar, learned Senior Counsel, drew support from
the decisions of this Court as indicated herein. In Electrosteel Steels
Limited v. Union of India and Others2, this Court held that the Act does
1
(2010) 4 SCC 240
H 2
(2021) SCC OnLine 1247
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 261
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
not prohibit grant of ex post facto environmental clearance. It also held A
that the Court cannot be oblivious to the interest of the economy or need
to protect the livelihood of hundreds of employees and others employed
in the project, if such project complies with environment norms.
14. The said view has been followed in the judgment in Pahwa
Plastics Pvt. Ltd. and Another v. Dastak NGO and Others 3 and B
Gajubha Jadeja Jesar v. Union of India and Others 4. It is, therefore,
contended that there was no occasion for the NGT to interfere.
15. Relying on the Judgment in Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v.
Rohit Prajapati and Others5, it is contended that the impugned Order
does not do justice to the Principle of Proportionality. It is pointed out C
that in the said case, on payment of environmental compensation, the
industry was permitted to continue.
16. Shri Dhruv Mehta, learned Senior Counselin the other case
would adopt the arguments. He would further contend that the principles
of contemporaneous exposito are attracted.In this regard, Shri Dhruv D
Mehta, learned Senior Counsel sought to draw considerable support from
the decision of this Court in K.P. Varghese v. Income Tax Officer,
Ernakulam and Another6. This is on the basis that the understanding
of all the authorities including respondent No.1 in the impugned Order is
that construction of the container for storage facility is permissible under
CRZ-II. The Tribunal clearly erred in interfering with the views of all E
the authorities.
17. Shri Dhruv Mehta, learned Senior Counsel, would also contend
that the matter may be viewed in the context of Principles of Sustainable
Development and Polluter Pays Principle.
F
18. Shri Anand Tiwari, learned counsel appearing on behalf of
respondent 2 and 3 would also support the appellants.He would contend
that a purposive interpretation is to be placed. Smt. Archana Pathak
Dave, learned Counsel for the Union of India equally supported the stand
of the Government of India.
G
19. Smt. Anitha Shenoy, learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf
of respondent No.5 strongly supported the order of the NGTand submits
3
(2022) SCC OnLine SC 362
4
(2022) SCC OnLine SC 993
5
(2020) 17 SCC 157
6
1981 (4) SCC 173 H
262 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A that the matter relates to the defending of the environment. In constructing
outside the limits of the notified port, a fact, which is not disputed by the
appellant, there is an indefensible violation of a law which subservesa
salutary and sublimeobject.She would draw support from the body of
case law consisting essentially of the views of this Court indicating that
this Court has firmly set its face against the trampling of law relating to
B
the environment [See Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union
of India7, S. Jagannathan v. Union of India and others8, Piedade
Filomena Gonsalves v. State of Goa9, Vaamika Island (Green Lagoon
Resort) v. Union of India10, Kapico Kerala Resorts (P) Ltd. v. State
of Kerala11, Kerala State Coastal Zone Management Authority v.
C State of Kerala12]. She would submit the word ‘in’ cannot mean ‘out’.
In other words, it certainly cannot countenance the storage facility being
located outside the notified port. In the facts of this case, it is at quiet a
long distance from the Chennai Port and the laws relating to environment
should be strictly construed.
D ANALYSIS
20. The 2011 Notification has been issued under Section 3 of the
Act. The first notification in regard to the notification of Coastal Zone
was issued in the year 1991. There were amendments. It is thereafter
that the notification was issued in the year 2011. The 2011 notification
E came to be published on 6th January, 2011. We may indicate that, in fact,
the notification which holds the field today was issued in the year 2019.
THE SCHEME OF THE 2011 NOTIFICATION
21. The Central Government declared certain areas as Coastal
Regulation Zone (‘CRZ’, for short). The CRZ in the First Clause consists
F
of the land area from high tide line to 500 meters on the land along the
sea front. The High Tide line is the line based on the highest water mark
during the spring tide. We may only further notice that among the other
4 categories of CRZ,the CRZ includes the water and the bed area
between the LTL (LOW TIDE LINE) (which line is based on the lowest
G height of the water body during the spring tide) to the territorial water
7
(1996) 5 SCC 281
8
(1997) 2 SCC 87
9
(2004) 3 SCC 445
10
(2013) 8 SCC 760
11
(2020) 3 SCC 18
H 12
(2019) 7 SCC 248
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 263
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
limit (12 nautical miles) in the case of the sea and the water bed and A
area between the LTL at the bank to the LTL on the opposite of the
bank of the tidal influenced water bodies. CRZ has been classified under
para 7 into CRZ I, CRZ II, CRZ III, CRZ IV and CRZ V. Since, we are
concerned with CRZ II we may notice the elements which constitute
the same.
B
“7. Classification of the CRZ – For the purpose of conserving
and protecting the coastal areas and marine waters, the CRZ
area shall be classified as follows, namely:-
XXXX XXXX XXXX
C
(ii) CRZ-II,-
The areas that have been developed upto or close to the shoreline.
Explanation.- For the purposes of the expression “developed area”
is referred to as that area within the existing municipal limits or in
other existing legally designated urban areas which are substantially D
built-up and has been provided with drainage and approach roads
and other infrastructural facilities, such as water supply and
sewerage mains;”
22. Paragraph-3 provides for prohibited activities within CRZ.
We may notice that it is divided into 14 categories and the noticeable E
feature is that certain exceptions to the prohibitions are also declared.
Of relevance to the cases before us, are certain Clauses in paragraph-3.
They are:
“3. Prohibited activities within CRZ,- The following are declared
as prohibited activitieswithin the CRZ,- F
(i) Setting up of new industries and expansion of existing industries
except,-
(a) those directly related to waterfront or directly needing foreshore
facilities; G
Explanation: The expression “foreshore facilities” means those
activities permissible underthis notification and they require
waterfront for their operations such as ports and harbours, jetties,
quays, wharves, erosion control measures, breakwaters, pipelines,
H
264 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A lighthouses, navigational safety facilities, coastal police stations
and the like.;”
23. Paragraph-3 (i) (b) permits projects of department of Atomic
energy.Paragraph-3 (i) (d) permits projects of greenfield project already
permitted at Navi Bombay. 3 (i) (e) allows construction, repair work of
B dwelling units of local community including fishermen in accordance
with Local Town and Country Planning Regulation.
24. Paragraph 3 (ii) deals with a prohibited category which reads
as follows:
C “(ii) manufacture or handling oil storage or disposal of hazardous
substance as specified in thenotification of Ministry of Environment
and Forests, No. S.0.594 (E), dated the 28th July, 1989, S.0. No.
966(E), elated the 27th November, 1989 and GSR 1037 (E), dated
the 5th December, 1989 except,-”
D 25. However, by way of exception to the prohibition 3 (ii) (a)
permits transfer of hazardous substances from ships to ports terminals
and refineries and vice versa. Clause 3 (ii) (a) reads as follows:
“(a) transfer of hazardous substances from ships to ports, terminals
and refineries and viceversa;”
E 26. Paragraph-3 (viii), enacts the following prohibitions:
“(viii) Port and harbour projects in high eroding stretches of the
coast, except those projects classified as strategic and defence
related in terms of EIA notification, 2006 identified by MoEF based
on scientific studies and in consultation with the State Government
F or the Union territory Administration.”
(Emphasis supplied)
27. Paragraph-3 (xi) provides for prohibition of construction activity
in CRZ1 except those specified in para 8 of the notification. We need
G not be detained with various others clauses. Regulation 4 deals with
permissible activities in CRZ area. It is declared that activities which
are enumerated under paragraph-4 shall be regulated except those
prohibited in paragraph-3. This means what is prohibited in paragraph-3
cannot either be permitted or regulated within the meaning of paragraph-
4. Paragraph-4 reads as follows:
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K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 265
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
“4. Regulation of permissible activities in CRZ area.- The following A
activities shall beregulated except those prohibited in para 3 above,-
(i) (a) clearance shall be given for any activity within the CRZ
only if it requires
waterfront and foreshore facilities;
B
(b) for those projects which are listed under this notification and
also attract EIA notification,2006 (S.O.1533 (E), dated the 14th
September, 2006), for such projects clearance under EIA
notification only shall be required subject to being recommended
by the concerned State or Union territory Coastal Zone C
Management Authority (hereinafter referred to as the CZMA).
(c) Housing schemes in CRZ as specified in paragraph 8 of this
notification;
(d) Construction involving more than 20,000sq mts built-up area
in CRZ-! 1 shall be considered inaccordance with EIA notification, D
2006 and in case of projects less than 20,000sq mts built-uparea
shall be approved by the concerned State or Union territory
Planning authorities inaccordance with this notification after
obtaining recommendations from the concerned CZMA and prior
recommendations of the concern CZMA shall be essential for E
considering the grant of environmental clearance under EIA
notification, 2006 or grant of approval by the relevant planning
authority.
(e) MoEF may under a specific or general order specify projects
which require prior public hearing of project affected people. F
(f) construction and operation for ports and harbours, jetties,
wharves, quays, slipways, shipconstruction yards, breakwaters,
groynes, erosion control measures;
(ii) the following activities shall require clearance from MoEF,
namely:- G
(a) those activities not listed in the EIA notification, 2006.
(b) construction activities relating to projects of Department of
Atomic Energy or Defence requirements for which foreshore
facilities are essential such as, slipways, jetties, wharves,quays; H
266 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A except for classified operational component of defence projects.
Residential buildings,office buildings, hospital complexes,
workshops of strategic and defence projects in terms ofEIA
notification, 2006.;
(c) construction, operation of lighthouses;
B
(d) laying of pipelines, conveying systems, transmission line;
(e) exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas and all
associated activities and facilities thereto;
(f) Foreshore requiring facilities for transport of raw materials,
C facilities for intake of cooling water and outfall for discharge of
treated wastewater or cooling water from thermal powerplants.
MoEF may specify for category of projects such as at (f), (g) and
(h) of para 4;
(g) Mining of rare minerals as listed by the Department of Atomic
D Energy;
(h) Facilities for generating power by non-conventional energy
resources, desalination plants and weather radars;
(i) Demolition and reconstruction of (a) buildings of archaeological
E and historical importance, (ii) heritage buildings; and buildings under
public use which means buildings such as for thepurposes of
worship, education, medical care and cultural activities;”
28. Since Clause 2 of paragraph-4 provides that the activities
described thereunder would require clearance from MoEF, the question
F would arise as to whether for the other activities, which are permissible,
does it require clearance? Paragraph-4.2 provides the answer.It provides
for the procedure for clearance of permissible activities.Various
formalities have to be undergone. Originally, the 2011 notification did not
provide for any ex post facto approval. It is in the year 2018, i.e., on
09.03.2018 that paragraph-4.3 came to be inserted in the 2011
G Notification. It read as follows:
“4.3 Post facto clearance for permissible activities.-
(i) all activities, which are otherwise permissible under the
provisions of this notification, but have commenced construction
H without priorclearance, would be considered for regularisation only
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 267
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
in such cases wherein the project applied for regularization in the A
specified time and the projects which are in violation of CRZ
norms would not be regularised;
(ii) the concerned Coastal Zone ManagementAuthority shall give
specific recommendations regarding regularisation of such
proposals and shall certify that there have been no violations of B
the CRZ regulations, while making such recommendations;
(iii) such cases where the construction have been commenced
before the date of this notification without the requisite CRZ
clearance, shall beconsidered only by Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change, provided that the request for such C
regularisation is received inthe said Ministry by 30th June, 2018.”
(Emphasis supplied)
29. It will at once be noticed that thereunder violation of ‘norms’
would disentitle a person to post facto clearance. The norms are laid D
down in Paragraph-8. Paragraph-8 provided for regulation of activities
permissible under the 2011 Notification. It declares that the development
or construction activities in different categories of CRZ shall be regulated
by the concerned CZMA in accordance with the following norms. In
CRZ-I, the norms were as follows:
E
“l. CRZ-1,-
(i) no new construction shall be permitted in CRZ-1 except,-
(a) projects relating to Department of Atomic Energy;
(b) pipelines, conveying systems including transmission lines; F
(c) facilities that are essential for activities permissible under
CRZ-l;
(d) installation of weather radar for monitoring of cyclones
movement and prediction by Indian Meteorological Department;
G
(e) construction of trans harbour sea link and without affecting
the tidal flow of water, between LTL and HTL.
(f) development of green field airport already approved at only
Navi Mumbai;
H
268 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A (ii) Areas between LTL and HTL which are not ecologically
sensitive, necessary safety measures will be incorporated while
permitting the following, namely:-
(a) exploration and extraction of natural gas;
(b) construction of dispensaries, schools, public rainshelter,
B
community toilets, bridges, roads, jetties, water supply, drainage,
sewerage which are required fortraditional inhabitants living
within the biosphere reserves after obtainingapproval from
concerned CZMA.
C (c) necessary safety measure shall be incorporated while
permitting such developmental activities in the area falling in
the hazard zone;
(d) salt harvesting by solar evaporation of seawater;
(e) desalination plants;
D
(f) storage of non-hazardous cargo such as edible oil, fertilizers
and food grain withinnotified plants;
(g) construction of trans harbour sea links, roads on stilts or
pillars without affecting thetidal flow of water.”
E 30. In CRZ-II, the norms were as follows:
“II. CRZ-11,-
(i) buildings shall be permitted only on the landward side of the
existing road, or on thelandward side of existing authorized
F structures;
(ii) buildings permitted on the landward side of the existing and
proposed roads or existing authorized structures shall be subject
to the existing local town and country planning regulations
including the ‘existing’ norms of Floor Space Index or Floor
G Area Ratio:
Provided that no permission for construction of buildings shall
be given on landward sideof any new roads which are
constructed on the seaward side of an existing road:
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 269
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
(iii) reconstruction of authorized building to be permitted subject A
with the existing Floor Space Index or Floor Area Ratio Norms
and without change in present use;
(iv) facilities for receipt and storage of petroleum products
and liquefied natural gas asspecified in Annexure-II appended
to this notification and facilities for regasification of Liquefied B
Natural Gas subject to the conditions as mentioned in sub-
paragraph (ii) of paragraph 3;
(v) desalination plants and associated facilities;
(vi) storage of non-hazardous cargo, such as edible oil, fertilizers C
and food grain innotified ports;
(vii) facilities for generating power by non-conventional power
sources and associated facilities;”
31. CRZ-III, comprised of area up to 200 meters from HTL on
the landward side in the case of sea front inter alia. It is marked as the D
NDZ [or No Development Zone}. It was,inter alia, provided that NDZ
shall not apply “in such area falling within any notified port”. There are
various restrictions therein. Certain activities were shown as permitted
activities in the NDZ. They included in Clause (e) facilities for receipt
and storage of petroleum products and liquified gas as specified in E
Annexure-II. Interestingly, in regard to the area between 200 meters to
500 meters falling in CRZ-III, paragraph-8 permitted storage of non-
hazardous cargo such as edible oil, fertilizers, foodgrains ‘in’ notified
ports.
32. Having set out the relevant provisions of the 2011 notification, F
we may proceed to examine the contentions of the parties.
33. The appellants would contend that CRZ-I provides for the
harshest regime having regard to the fact that the areas are ecologically
sensitive and the geomorphological features play a role in the maintaining
the integrity of the coast. They included mangroves.In case, the area of G
mangroves was more than 1000 sq.mts, a buffer of 50 mts. along the
mangroves was to be provided. Sand dunes came under CRZ-I, as did
corals and coral reefs and associated biodiversity.
34. It may be true that the appellant had secured permission of
the local authority. Shri Ranjit Kumar may be correct in contending also H
270 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A that the laying of the pipeline ensured that additional vehicle load was
not thrust on the Chennai port. There may be merit also in the contention
of the appellants that the no objection certificate may indicate that the
pipeline would lead to increased evacuation of edible oil through the
pipeline, leading to increased port efficiency. As found by the NGT and
not disputed by the fifth respondent also the power to grant post facto
B
approval flowed from paragraph-4.3 inserted in the 2011 Notification,
though in the year 2018. The case of the appellant that the storage facility
is located in CRZ II is beyond dispute. The storage facility being located
on the landward side may be correct. The appellants assertion that
between the storage facility and the Bay of Bengal there exists the
C Ennore Express Highway appears to be correct. We proceed on the
basis further that the distance between the entrance of the storage facility
and the sea shore is ‘160 feet’.Laying of pipeline is permissible in CRZ
I. Appellant’s contention that there is no space at the Chennai port is
sought to be buttressed with reference to certificate dated 24.08.2016.
We may notice its contents:
D
“The cargo through put and number of vehicles moving in
and out of Chennai Port has increased manifold over the past
years. In order to reduce the road traffic and resultant congestion,
the port has been encouraging alternate modes of cargo evacuation
like Rail evacuation and evacuation through pipeline.
E
Accordingly Chennai Port has permitted M/s. KTV Health
Food Private Limited to lay pipeline from BD2 berth where the
firm is laying a 10 inch pipeline for evacuation of the cargo. This
will result in increased evacuation of edible oil through pipeline
thus avoiding inter carting using tanker lorries.
F
This will in turn result in better turnaround of the vessels
thereby enabling the port to handle more and more volume of
edible oil cargo and vessels thus increasing the port efficiency.
This certificate is issued to enable the firm to obtain the required
statutory clearances for laying the pipeline.”
G
35. It will be noticed that the Certificate is silent as regards the
storage facility and it being in the port. The Certificate does not exactly
declare that there is no space at the Chennai port. Appellants may be
correct in contending that edible oil is not hazardous and that edible oil
imports may be necessary to meet the requirement of a growing
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 271
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
population. It may be true that there is no manufacturing process which A
may be involved in constructing or maintaining the storage facility.
36. The contention of the appellants that by decongesting the traffic
and allowing the edible oil to be transferred through pipelines for onward
transmission to the factories of the appellant, the baneful impact flowing
from tanker lorry traffic by way of pollution is reduced, overlooks the B
true purport of the 2011 notification. We must demystify the object of
the law as contained in the coastal regulation notification. As far as
pollution is concerned, it is the subject matter of laws specifically relating
to regulation and prohibition of activities on the said score. A perusal of
the 2011 notification reveals the following as the avowed objects: (i)
C
ensuring livelihood security to the fisher communities and other
communities living in the coastal areas, (ii) conservation and protection
of coastal stretches; (iii) the protection of the unique environment of the
coastal stretches and its marine area; (iv) promotion or development
through sustainable manner based on scientific principles taking into
account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastalareas; (v) the aspect D
of sea level rise due to global warming. Therefore, we are unable to
agree with the appellants that as the laying of the pipeline would result in
greater efficiency in the functioning of the port or for that matter, it
would reduce the traffic congestion, and what is more, thereby there
would be a reduction in the pollution may not by itself be relevant or for
E
concluding the issue. It is the duty of the Court to glean the true object of
a law and give effect to it. It is equally the duty of the Court to eschew
from its consideration matters which may not be strictly germane to the
object. Hence, we proceed on the basis that the argument based on
increased efficiency of the port and avoidance of traffic congestion, and
the decreased pollution in the landward area, as it were, may not be by F
themselves relevant.
37. The next argument is the argument based on the difference
between the words ‘within’ as found in CRZ-I as contrasted with the
word ‘in’ in CRZ-II. We are called upon to employ a purposeful
interpretation bearing in mind also the distinction in the words used. Much G
reliance has been placed on the judgment reported in M. Nizamudeen
(supra).The said matter arose under the coastal regulation notification
issued in the year 1991.The MoEF granted permission to the respondent
therein for construction for setting up of a marine terminal facility near
the sea shore for receiving and transferring VCM which was one of the
H
272 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A raw materials for manufacturing PVC. Under the terms of the 1991
notification, certain activities were prohibited under paragraph-2. They
included manufacturing or handling or storage or disposal of hazardous
substances as provided therein except transfer of hazardous substances
from ships to ports, terminals and refineries and vice versa ‘in the port
areas’.
B
38. The question fell for consideration as to the interpretation to
be placed on the words ‘in the port areas’. We feel advised to refer to
the following portions of the judgment reported in M. Nizamudeen
(supra):
C “36. It was contended by the Senior Counsel for the appellant-
petitioner that transfer of VCM in CRZ area is completely
prohibited and VCM cannot be carried through the CRZ except
in the port area. Their argument is that VCM can be brought
onshore by pipeline to the port area but not in the CRZ area. The
arguments of learned Senior Counsel have put in issue the scope
D
of expression, “except transfer of hazardous substances from ships
to ports, terminals and refineries and vice versa in the port areas”
which was added in Para 2(ii) on 9-7-1997. We are called upon to
ascertain the true meaning and intention of the executive in bringing
this exception.
E
37. In the original 1991 Notification there was no exception clause.
It appears to have been added for the purpose of enabling transfer
of hazardous substances from ships to ports, ships to terminals
and ships to refineries and vice versa. Is such transfer of hazardous
substances confined to terminals and refineries located in the port
F areas? The answer in the affirmative may make the said provision
unworkable and would also result in absurdity inasmuch as the
hazardous substance would be brought into the port, refinery or
terminal in the port area from the ship and would remain there
and could not be taken beyond the port area because of the
prohibition. This surely could not have been the intention of the
G
executive in adding the exception clause.
38. It is well settled that if exception has been added to remedy
the mischief or defect, it should be so construed that it remedies
the mischief and not in a manner which frustrates the very purpose.
Purposive construction has often been employed to avoid a lacuna
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 273
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
and to suppress the mischief and advance the remedy. It is again A
a settled rule that if the language used is capable of bearing more
than one construction and if construction is employed that results
in absurdity or anomaly, such construction has to be rejected and
preference should be given to such a construction that brings it
into harmony with its purpose and avoids absurdity or anomaly as
B
it may always be presumed that while employing a particular
language in the provision absurdity or anomaly was never intended.
39. Notwithstanding imperfection of expression and that exception
clause is not happily worded, we are of the view that by applying
purposive construction, the expression, “in the port areas” should
C
be read as “in or through the port areas”. The exception in Para 2
(ii) then would achieve its objective and read, “except transfer of
hazardous substances from ships to ports, ships to terminals and
ships to refineries and vice versa, in or through the port areas”.
This construction will be harmonious with Para 3 (2) (ii) which
permits the activity of laying pipelines in the CRZ area.” D
39. On the one hand, thelearned counsel for the appellants would
place considerable reliance on the view taken by this Court. Per contra,
Smt. Anitha Shenoy, learned Senior Counsel, would submit that the
aforesaid decision turned on the facts obtaining therein and, in particular,
the expression ‘in the port areas’, whereas the language used in E
paragraph-8 (II) (vi) and also the context should persuade this Court to
place an interpretation advancing the object of a notification such as the
2011 Notification.
40. A perusal of paragraph-36 of the Judgment would show that
the contention of the appellant therein was that the transfer of the raw F
material in the CRZ area was completely prohibited and it could not be
carried through the zone except ‘in the port area’. This Court understood
the terms of the notification to be that it permitted transfer of the
hazardous substances from the ships to the ports, ships to terminals and
finally, ships to the refineries. The vice versa was also found to be
G
within the contemplation of the notification as permitted activities. The
Court posed the question whether the transfer was to be confined to
refineries and terminals which were located in the port area. In other
words, if the argument of the appellant therein was accepted, it could
have resulted in confining the transfer of the raw material from the ship
by pipeline to the port area but it could not be taken to a refinery located H
274 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A outside the port area.But the provision did contemplate transporting of
the material from the ship to the refineries as also to terminals and vice
versa. It was in this context that the Court proceeded to hold that a
purposive construction was needed to avoid a situation of absurdity. Much
turned on the presence of the words ‘in the port area’. Therefore, keeping
in mind the clear object of the Notification, which was self-evident, the
B
Court added the words ‘or through’ to the words‘in the port area’. This
facilitated the transfer of the raw material from the ships to a refinery or
a terminal which neednot have to be located in the port area. We must
understand the decision of this Court in M. Nizamudeen (supra) in the
aforesaid context. The rationale and principle appear inapposite to the
C cases before us.
41. Paragraph-8 (I) (f) relating to CRZ-I, may be recaptured:
“(8). Norms for regulation of activities permissible under this
notification,-
D CRZ-I
(ii) Areas between LTL and IITL which are not ecologically
sensitive, necessary safety measures will be incorporated while
permitting the following, namely:-
E (f) storage of non-hazardous cargo such as edible oil,
fertilizers and food grain within notified ports;”
42. We also do bear in mind that in paragraph-8 (I) (i) (b),
construction of pipelines, inter alia,was permitted. It is thereafter that in
paragraph-8 (II), under CRZ-II, Clause VI contemplated permitting of
F storage of non-hazardous cargo, such as edible oil, fertilizers and food
grain ‘in’ notified ports. We may broaden our inquiry into the relevant
contents of CRZ-III. CRZ-III of the 2011 Notification was divided into
area ‘A’, which,inter alia, dealt with areas up to 200 meters from HTL
on the landward side in the case of sea front. The said Clause proclaimed
further that the said area would be a No Development Zone (NDZ). We
G notice that in CRZ-III the NDZ was not to be applicable in ‘such areas’
within any port limits.Thus, the expression ‘within’ made its appearance
in relation to notified port limits again. In the permitted activities in the
NDZ under area ‘A’,viz., up to 200 meters as aforesaid, we find Clause
(e), which permitted facilities for receipt and storage of petroleum products
H and liquified petroleum gas as specifiedin Annexure-II. Area B of CRZ-
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 275
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
III is described as the area comprised from 200 meters to 500 meters. A
Since the CRZ itself would terminate upon the 500 meters distance being
obtained, this constituted, in other words, the residuary area, of CRZ-
III. Under the same we notice that again facilities for receipt and storage
of petroleum products and liquified natural gas as specified in Annexure-
II was permitted. We may bear in mind that the very same activity had
B
also been contemplated in area A of CRZ-III, viz., the area comprised
to 200 meters of the high tide line of the landward area in the case of the
sea front, inter alia. Interestingly, when it comes to storage of non-
hazardous cargo, such as edible oils fertilizers and food grain ‘in’ the
notified ports, it was permitted activity in area ‘B’ of CRZ-III under
Clause 4 thereof, that is, an area located between 200 metres to 500 C
metres.It must be noticed that CRZ-III had been classified inparagraph-
7 essentially as relatively undisturbed area, which did not belong to either
CRZ-I or II, which included the coastal zone in rural areas, both developed
and undeveloped and also areas within municipal limits or in other legally
designated urban areas, which were not substantially built up. We have
D
already noticed the classification of CRZ-II earlier, as areas which had
been developed up to or close to the shore line. Can it then be said that
storage of non-hazardous cargo, such as edible oil, fertilizers food grain,
permittedin the notified ports in CRZ-III, Area ‘B’, be also permitted in
CRZ-III Area ‘A’? Going by the contents of CRZ-III under activities
which were permitted in the NDZ, we are unable to find any clause E
which permitted such storage of non-hazardous cargo including edible
oil,inter alia.Therefore, in the NDZ area falling under area ‘A’ of CRZ-
III, it may have been impermissible.
43. We have made this discussion only to remind ourselves that in
interpretation of the Notification we are concerned with, a pursuitof a F
purposive interpretation or a search for arationale which the Court finds
fair may meet with limitations which flow from the object of the maker
of the notification being confined to the plain meaning of the words used.
No doubt, a situation found in the facts of the case reported in
M. Nizamudeen (supra) may call for a different approach.
G
44. Reverting back to the controversy, projected from the difference
between the words ‘within’ and ‘in’, we may notice the following
discussion of the NGT, which is a specialised Body, consisting of aJudicial
Member and a Technical Member in a statutory appeal under the Act.
H
276 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A “54. In compact Oxford English Dictionary, the meaning of the
word ‘in’ is defined as follows:-
‘in Preposition 1) so as to enclosed, surrounded, or inside. 2)
expressing a period of time during which an event takes place.
3) expressing the length of time before an event is expected to
B happen. 4) expressing a state, condition, or quality. 5)
expressing inclusion or involvement. 6) indicating the means
of expression used: put in writing. 7) indicating a person’s
occupation or profession. 8) expressing a value as a
proportion of whole. Adverb 1) expressing movement that
results in being inside or surrounded. 2) expressing the state
C
of being enclosed or surrounded. 3) present at one’s home or
office. 4) expressing arrival at a destination. 5) [of the tide]
rising or at its highest level. Adjective informal fashionable.
- Phrases be in for be going to experience something,
especially something unpleasant. in on knowing a secret. in
D that for the reason that. in with i11fo1mal enjoying friendly
relations with. the ins and outs informal all the details. - Origin
Old English”
55. The word ‘within’ has been defined in the same Dictionary as
follows:-
E
“within Preposition 1) inside. 2) inside the range or bounds
of we were within sight of the finish. 3) occurring inside a
particular period of time. 4) not further off than (used with
distances). Adverb: 1) inside; indoors. 2)internally or
inwardly.”
F
56. Meaning of these words when compared, it will be clear that
what was intended by these words is something will have to be
done within the area, if it relates to the area and in the area if
relates to the area and not beyond that area.”
G 45. Going by the definition of the word ‘in’, it includes ‘so as to be
enclosed, surrounded or inside’. One way of looking at the word ‘in’ the
notified port in para 8 (II) (vi) would be that storage of non-hazardous
material is permitted inside the notified port. We notice that the definition
of the word ‘within’ also includes the word meaning inside. No doubt,
Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes declared: “A word is not a crystal,
H transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 277
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and A
time in which it is used.”
46. Smt. Anita Shenoy, learned Senior Counsel, would assert that
what is ‘out’ cannot be considered as being ‘in’. She expatiates by pointing
out that the storage facility of the appellants is located a few kilometres
away of the notified limits of the Chennai Port. She poses the question B
that on such facts could this Court be persuaded to still hold that it is
inside the notified port, viz., the Chennai Port. It would involve doing
violence to the clear words. The word ‘within’ and ‘in’ therefore, in the
context of the Notification must be given the same meaning.The
Notification and the policy is not under a shadow, by way of a challenge
C
to the Notification. It is the plain duty of the Court to give effect to the
law as it is found. No doubt, as pointed out by Shri Dhruv Mehta, if it is
found otherwise acceptable, an interpretation which accords with
constitutional principles, may appeal to the Court, even if there is no
challenge mounted.
D
47. A detour may be apposite. Chennai Port is a Port, which is,
admittedly, a major port within the meaning of Major Ports Act, 1964.
Another enactment, which deals with ports, is the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
The appellants would contend that, while the storage facility may not be
located within the Chennai Port, it is licenced under Section 57 of the
Customs Act as a customs station. In the Major Ports Act, the word E
‘port’ is defined in Section 2 (q). It reads as follows:
“(q) “port” means any major port to which this Act applies within
such limits as may, from time to time, be defined by the Central
Government for the purposes of this Act by notification in the
Official Gazette, and, until a notification is so issued, within such F
limits as may have been defined by the Central Government under
the provisions of the Indian Ports Act.”
48. Section 57 of the Customs Act, 1962 reads as follows: -
“57. Licensing of public warehouses. —The Principal G
Commissioner of Customs or Commissioner of Customs may,
subject to such conditions as may be prescribed, licence a public
warehouse wherein dutiable goods may be deposited.”
49. It is not the case of the appellants that the storage is located
within the limits of the Chennai Port as contemplated in Section 2 (q). It H
278 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A is, therefore, not inside the said Port. However, it is appellants case that
the storage facility is located in the Customs notified area. This is based
on the license issued under Section 57 of the Customs Act. Under Section
15 of the Customs Act, the date for determination of the rate of duty and
tariff valuation of any imported goods in the case of goods cleared from
a warehouse, under Section 68, is declared to be the date, on which, a
B
bill for entry for home consumption, in respect of such goods, is presented
under Section 15.Goods, which are imported may be cleared immediately
with reference to their being entered for home consumption under Section
46, and the relevant date, would then be the date of presentation of the
bill of entry. An importer may wish to warehouse the goods. It is in such
C cases that it is only upon the bill for entry for home consumption is
presented that the crucial date emerges. It is in this context that to regulate
and control the collection of duty apart from other aspects that a license
is procured under Section 57 of the Act. Section 2 sub-Section (11) of
the Customs Act, defines the words‘customs area’. It reads as follows:
D “2(11) “customs area” means the area of a customs station or a
warehouse and includes any area in which imported goods or
export goods are ordinarily kept before clearance by Customs
Authorities”
50. Section 2 sub-Section (12) defines ‘customs port’,
E whereas,Section 2 sub-Section (13), defines ‘customs station’:
“(12) “customs port” means any port appointed under clause (a)
of section 7 to be a customs port, and includes a place appointed
under clause (aa) of that section to be an inland container depot”
(13) “customs station” means any customs port, customs airport,
F
international courier terminal, foreign post office or land customs
station”
51. Section 7(a), to which reference may be necessary in view of
the definition of the words ‘customs port’, reads as follows:
G “7. Appointment of customs ports, airports, etc.-(1) The Board
may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint-
(a) The ports and airports which alone shall be customs ports
or customs airports for the unloading of imported goods and
the loading of export goods or any class of such goods;”
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 279
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
52. Thus, every port falling under the Indian Port Act and the A
Major Port Act may not be on their own become a customs port. A
customs port under Section 2(12) comes into being on a port being
appointed as such under Section 7(a). A customs station no doubt, includes
any customs port and a land customs station. The case of the appellant
based on the license under Section 57 of the Customs Act may make it
B
a customs area as it includes a warehouse but it is inconceivable as to
how it would transform it into‘in a notified port’.
53. An argument, which is raised by the learned Senior Counsel
for the appellants is traceable to Clause (1) of paragraph-8 falling under
CRZ-II. It reads as follows:
C
“CRZ-11, -
(i) buildings shall be permitted only on the landward side of the
existing road, or on the landward side of existing authorized
structures;”
D
It is the contention of the appellants that even if it is found that the
storage facility cannot be treated as permitted in the port, as it does not
fall in the port, both having regard to the fact that CRZ-II constitutes an
area where the regime is less harsh than the one contemplated in CRZ-
I and also bearing in mind that edible oil is non-hazardous cargo and still,
what is more important, in CRZ-II, facilities for receipt and storage of E
petroleum products and liquified natural gas can be permitted, and lastly,
as a storage facility would constitute a building, which, in the facts of
this case, is located on the landward side of the existing road, the NGT
was wrong. The argument appears to be that the Chennai metro
development authority which is a local body has granted permission for
F
the construction of the storage facility treating the area as a general
industrial use zone. This means that the building was permissible under
the Town planning law. The argument is further sought to be buttressed
with reference to the definition of the word building which encompasses
a storage facility.
G
54. This argument is sought to be met by Smt. Anita Shenoy,
learned Senior Counsel, by pointing out that it would be plainly incongruous
with the use of the words ‘storage facilities’ as contained in paragraph-
8 (II) (vi), falling under permitted activities under CRZ-II with the word
‘building’, which must make the position clear that placed side-by-side,
H
280 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A building cannot include the storage facility, which has been expressly
articulated and permitted as long as it is ‘in’ a notified port.
55. We notice certain salient features. CRZ-II has been classified
in para 7 as areas that have been developed up to or close to the shore
line. The storage tank of the appellant in the first case appears to be
B located at a distance of 160 feet from the shore line. At the same time,
it is located a few kilometres away from the Chennai port. We have
already noticed that under CRZ III, the facility of storage of non-
hazardous materials including edible oil is permitted only at a distance
between 200-500 meters.This is even though both handling and storage
of petroleum products is permitted, both within a distance of up to 200
C
meters from the high tide line as also between 200-500 meters from the
high tide line. It may defy logic. At least at first blush. We have already
set out the objects of the notification.They include guarding against the
dangers of natural hazards in coastal areas and the sea level rise due to
global warming. This is no doubt also to be balanced with the need for
D sustainable development. The coastal regulation appears to be based on
considerations which appear to accommodate conflicting interests
premised on considerations of what is felt as indispensably necessary
and the nature of the zone in question. Allowing storage facilities for
non-hazardous activities like edible oil, is, apparently, considered as an
indispensable part of the operation of a port. The Port Authorities would
E
have full control over the storage facility located within its limits. No
doubt, Section 35 of the Major Port Trust Act, 1964, inter alia, empowers
the port to execute works outside its limits for securing and storing goods
to be landed or to be shipped. The storage tanks in question are not
works executed by the port.
F
56. As far as the case that is sought to be built up on the basis that
since CRZ-II permitted buildings on the landward side of the existing
road, we must notice that this is not the basis for the decision of the first
respondent which was successfully impugned before the NGT. We, in
fact, queried Smt. Archana Pathak Dave, learned counsel for the first
G respondent as to whether this was the basis.She did not appear to support
the decision on the basis that it forms the basis for the decision. We may
notice further, the following pleading of the first respondent which has
been adverted to by the NGT in their reply affidavit before the NGT
even:
H
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 281
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
“5. It is submitted that the said activity under scrutiny is a A
permissible activity and regulated under para No. 8 (I) (i) (b),
para No. 8 (I) (ii) (f) and para No. 8. II. (vi) of the CRZ
Notification, 2011.”
57. Paragraph-8 (I) (i) (b), undoubtedly, related to permitting of
pipelines being constructed in CRZ-I. Paragraph-8 (I) (ii) related to CRZ- B
I.The further reference is only to paragraph 8 (II) (vi) which permits the
activity in question ‘in’ notified ports.The aspect relating to buildings
being permitted on the landward side of the existing road dealt with in
paragraph 8 (II) (i) was not the basis for the decision even according to
the counter affidavit. This is apart from the fact that impugned decision
C
of the first respondent does not proceed on the basis of paragraph 8 (II)
(i). This is also apart from noticing the contention of Respondent No.5
that storage facility being specifically dealt with, ‘building’ under
paragraph-8 (II) (i), would not include storage facility. We would
therefore, think that we must not be persuaded to allow the appellants or
allow them to lean on paragraph 8 (II) (i) of the 2011 Notification. D
58. Another argument, which has been raised by Shri Dhruv Mehta,
appears to stem from the law relating to contemporanea expositio.
The authorities are experts. They have applied their minds.Their
understanding should govern. At least, it should be given the weight that
is due to them. This forms the premise. Moreover, he refers to the E
judgment of this Court in K. P. Varghese v. ITO13. K. P. Varghese (supra)
involved the interpretation of Section 52 (2) of the Income Tax Act,
1961. This Court took the view inter alia that to invoke Section 52(2), it
was not enough only to show that the fair market value of the capital
asset as on the date of the transfer exceeded the full value of the
consideration declared by the assessee by not less than 15 per cent of F
the value so declared. This Court eschewed a purely literal interpretation
on the basis that it led to manifestly unreasonable and absurd
consequences. It was found that Parliament did not intend to target bona
fide transactions, where the assessee had truthfully declared the actual
consideration. This Court drew upon the speech of the Finance Minister, G
the Heydon’s Rule or the Mischief Rule and the importance of the word
‘declared’ figuring in Section 52 (2) and the fact that soon after the
introduction of the provision, the Central Board of Direct Taxes issued
statutory circulars under Section 119 of the Income Tax Act explaining
13
(1981) 4 SCC 173
H
282 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A the scope of central. It was specifically held that the circulars would
bind the Revenue even if they were not found to be in accordance with
the correct interpretation of the provision. It is apart from all these that,
no doubt, this Court went on to hold as follows: -
“These two circulars of the Central Board of Direct Taxes are,
B as we shall presently point out, binding on the Tax Department in
administering or executing the provision enacted in sub-section
(2), but quite apart from their binding character, they are clearly
in the nature of contemporanea expositio furnishing legitimate
aid in the construction of sub-section (2). The rule of construction
by reference to contemporanea expositio is a well-established
C rule for interpreting a statute by reference to the exposition it has
received from contemporary authority, though it must give way
where the language of the statute is plain and unambiguous. This
rule has been succinctly and felicitously expressed in Crawford
on Statutory Construction, (1940 Edn.) where it is stated in para
D 219 that”administrative construction (i.e. contemporaneous
construction placed by administrative or executive officers
charged with executing a statute) generally should be clearly wrong
before it is overturned; such a construction, commonly referred
to as practical construction, although non-controlling, is nevertheless
entitled to considerable weight; it is highly persuasive”.
E
The validity of this rule was also recognised in Baleshwar
Bagarti v. Bhagirathi Dass [ILR 35 Cal. 701] where Mookerjee,
J., stated the rule in these terms:
“It is a well-settled principle of interpretation that courts in
F construing a statute will give much weight to the interpretation
put upon it, at the time of its enactment and since, by those whose
duty it has been to construe, execute and apply it.”
and this statement of the rule was quoted with approval by this
Court in Deshbandhu Gupta & Co. v. Delhi Stock Exchange
G Association Ltd. [(1979) 4 SCC 565] It is clear from these two
circulars that the Central Board of Direct Taxes, which is the
highest authority entrusted with the execution of the provisions of
the Act, understood sub-section (2) as limited to cases where the
consideration for the transfer has been understated by the assessee
and this must be regarded as a strong circumstance supporting
H the construction which we are placing on that sub-section.”
K.T.V. HEALTH FOOD PVT. LTD. v. UNION OF INDIA AND 283
ORS. [K. M. JOSEPH, J.]
59. The principle is inapposite in the facts. That the authorities A
have proceeded on a particular basis, may as well betray their erroneous
understanding. That such views do not clinch the issue relating to the
construction of the law is elementary. We would think that in the facts of
this case and on a construction of the statute or the law in question,viz.,
the 2011 notification, the understanding of the authorities if that be the
basis of the contention, cannot overwhelm our understanding of the B
notification. We again reiterate that the words ‘within’ and ‘in’ cannot
include what is outside the port. The maker of the notification has not
even contemplated the activities in question in a ‘port area’. We must
here elucidate and observe that if the contention is to be upheld that a
storage tank can be permitted outside the port limits, it will introduce C
chaos. The question would arise as to up to what distance from the port
area it would be considered as the ‘in the port area’.The 2011 Notification
cannot receive an interpretation which would leave matters of moment
to be afflicted with the vice of uncertainty. This is apart from the
importance of avoiding an interpretation which seemingly allows free
play in the joints to the Administrator but, at the same time, vest an D
arbitrary power in him.
60. As far as the pipeline is concerned, no doubt, it is permitted in
CRZ I and arguments were addressed before us that even if the storage
facility is to be demolished, making use of the edible oil brought through
the pipelines, which are, no doubt, located underground, the oil could be E
collected at the spot from where it is currently located viz., where the
pipeline ends and transported therefrom to the factory. There is no dispute
that the pipeline is located in a zone where it is permitted activity. There
can be no dispute that ex post facto permission can be given for permitted
activity as found by the NGT itself. No doubt, the pipeline, may have
F
meaning only as so far as it is connected to the storage tank. As to
whether the pipeline can continue to be used if the storage tanks are
demolished is a matter which must engage the attention of the authorities.
We would think that in regard to the pipelines, it would be the District
Coastal Zonal Management Authority,which could take a decision.
G
61. The upshot of the above discussion is as follows:
As regards the pipelines which have been drawn, the appellants
may approach the relevant DistrictCoastal Zonal Management Authority
within a period of one month from today.The District Coastal Zonal
Management Authority will consider any application made in regard to
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284 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2023] 9 S.C.R.
A the continued use of the pipeline and take a decision in accordance with
law within a further period of six weeks from the date of the receipt of
the application.
62. In view of the request made by the appellants that they may
be permitted to continue to use the pipeline along with the storage facility
B for a period of one year, we would think that theinterest of justice do
require grant of some time.The appellants are accordingly given a period
of six months from today to comply with the impugned order of the
NGT. This is in regard to the direction to demolish the storage tanks.
The appellant in the first appeal is given a month’s time to pay the
compensation ordered, if not already paid.
C
63. As far as the direction to demolish the pipeline, the matter will
await the decision to be taken by the District Coastal Zonal Management
Authority.
64. The appeals are partly allowed. There will be no order as to
D costs.
Divya Pandey Appeals partly allowed.
(Assisted by : Ms. Shevali Monga, LCRA)
E
F
G
H
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