A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar agreed to hear on merits the petition filed by activist Medha Patkar, saying it has been filed within the stipulated period of 90 days.
"We are of the considered view that the present appeal has been filed within the period of limitation and the objection raised by the respondent is without any merits. The preliminary objection raised by the respondent is hereby rejected and we direct the appeal to be listed on merits," the bench said.
The MoEF had also taken a similar argument that the plea had been filed beyond the period of limitation.
In her petition, Patkar has challenged the legality and correctness of the environmental clearance granted on October 16, 2012 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to Adani's 2x660 MW imported coal based thermal power plant at villages Dhanora, Chausara, Dogawani Pipariya, Hiwarkhedi and Thawriteka in Chaura and Chhindwara taluka in district Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh.