The Plaintiffs claimed that the Industry Minister’s issue of a licence for mining was unlawful because the activities caused dust and noise pollution to the villagers, damaged areas of environmental and historical importances and lacked public participation.

The Court determined that restrictions on the mining activities had been imposed taking into account the environmental impacts from the environmental impact assessment and that the approval process was in accordance with the Mineral Act. No objection was raised within the stipulated period while the Plantiffs’objection thereafter had been taken into consideration and found to be without sufficient reasons. The Court further found that the disputed area was degraded forest for which an approval had been granted from the Royal Forest Department. The Court therefore dismissed the case.