Advocate Prakash Mani Sharma vs. Godavari Marble Industries Pvt. Ltd. and Others, Writ Petition 068–WO–0082 (Supreme Court of Nepal)

The petition sought to shut down the marble mine of Godavari Marble Industries in Phulchowki, Godavari due to the exorbitant extraction of materials. The Godavari area is said to be an area full of biological diversity and invaluable national heritage. However, the operation of Godavari Marble Industries is negatively impacted by the mining operations. The Supreme Court, touching on the importance of nature to human life, the principle of sustainable development and environmental justice, found that the mining operations are inconsistent with the constitutional rights to a healthy environment and to live with dignity. Thus, the Supreme Court ordered that the Godavari area be designated as closed to mining. It also directed that a committee be constituted to evaluate the damage to the area and to recommend how restore the area to its natural state.