In Brief
Essar Bulk Terminal challenged a 2016 notification expanding the limits of Hazira port, contending it violated their reclaimed land and relied on prior MOUs and CRZ clearance. The Supreme Court held that reclamation within GMB limits requires prior written permission under Section 35(1) of the Gujarat Maritime Board Act—which the Appellants never obtained for dredging below 8 meters and reclaiming land south of the mangroves. Expired 12-month MOUs could not create legitimate expectation. Ownership of reclaimed land vested in the Government, not the Appellants. The notification was lawfully issued in public interest to accommodate increased port traffic and posed no violation of private property rights. Appeal dismissed.",
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.