GUJARAT LOK SAMITI vs UOI — W.P.(C) No. 104/1997

Summary of Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India (W.P.(C) No. 000104/1997) Court Decision: The Supreme Court dismissed the petition challenging the Sardar Sarovar Dam project. The Court upheld the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal Award (FRL 455 ft.) and directed construction to proceed pari passu with relief-rehabilitation and environmental compliance, with height increases permitted only after clearance from R&R and Environment Sub-groups. Key Reasoning: The Court held that policy decisions on national projects taken after due deliberation cannot be judicially reviewed unless mala fide or unlawful. The petitioner's challenge was barred by laches (unreasonable delay), having known of the 1987 environmental clearance but filing only in 1994 after substantial expenditure. The Court emphasized that water scarcity in drought-prone areas and national development interests outweigh belated environmental and displacement concerns when proper rehabilitation frameworks exist. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.