Karnataka HC Grants Round-the-Clock Forest Road Access to Minister George’s Son
In a significant ruling, the Karnataka High Court has directed the Forest Department to grant unrestricted 24/7 access to Rana George — son of Energy Minister K.J. George — to reach his private land located within the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna, who issued the ruling, quashed a previous order from March 1, 2024, which had restricted road access between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., citing it as inconsistent with Section 27(1)(c) of the Wildlife Protection Act. The judge emphasized that partial access violates the legal interpretation laid down by the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court.
The court clarified, however, that the petitioner must not cause harm to the sanctuary’s flora or fauna, even while accessing his private land.
Mr. George had challenged the timing restriction, arguing that the alternative route to his land becomes inaccessible during monsoons due to rising water levels in the Nugu dam. He claimed that the limitation infringed upon his fundamental right to property and freedom of movement, especially considering that he had owned the land for over 25 years.
This ruling underscores the legal complexities when private ownership intersects with protected ecological zones, and reinforces the judiciary’s interpretation of access rights under environmental statutes.
