Sir,

This is with reference to the recent press statement by C.S. Poovaiah with regard to Rs. 90,000 paid to me on account of the PIL against the Railways through Kodagu (Coorg Wildlife Society Hon. Treasurer Resigns in SOM dated Mar.4). I would like to clarify as follows:

1. In my capacity as President of Coorg Wildlife Society (CWS), it was explained by me to the members at the 36th AGM of the CWS held on 24.8.2016, that there was a need to oppose the Railway Line to Kodagu even if it terminates at Kushalnagar. The minutes of the 36th AGM have been ratified during the 37th AGM held on 22.9.2017.

However, the PIL filed by the CWS against the Railway Line through Kodagu was disposed of by the High Court on the grounds that except for survey reports there were no clear documents regarding the Railway projects and stating that the matter could again be brought before the High Court if there was sufficient evidence on the matter.

1. K.C. Biddappa took over from me as President of Coorg Wildlife Society after the 38th AGM held on 30.11.2018. When our advocate informed him of fresh available details confirming the Government’s proposal for the Mysuru-Kushalnagar Railway Line, he directed our advocate B.R. Deepak not to proceed with the PIL regarding Mysuru-Kushalnagar Railway Line. Subsequently, Biddappa also issued a statement in support of Mysuru – Kushalnagar Railway Line in Star of Mysore.
2. Thereafter, on the basis of legal advice, the case was filed by me in my individual capacity [WP13161/19]. Our advocate Deepak also stated that an additional amount of Rs. 90,000 would have to be paid to him for the purpose of re-filing the PIL. I paid him an advance amount of Rs. 65,000. This matter has been discussed during the subsequent meetings of the Executive Committee of Coorg Wildlife Society.

Subsequently, at the 39th AGM of the CWS held on 27.12.2019, the matter was put up for discussion and it was agreed that the amount of Rs. 90,000 should be given to me. I have then settled the balance of Rs. 25,000 due to the lawyer.

1. The PIL on the Railways was disposed of by the High Court of Karnataka with a favourable order. In case the PIL had not been followed up, the Railway Line to Kushalnagar may have come through unopposed and the Line may have gone all the way to Makkandur (near Madikeri) and beyond, causing great damage to Kodagu landscape and environment. The Court order also puts a damper on the proposed Mysuru-Thalassery Railway Line through South Kodagu.

Therefore, I wish to clarify that the PIL in my individual capacity was not a so-called ‘Personal PIL’. The PIL was filed to safeguard Kodagu and its people and the population of 8 crore across South India who depend on Cauvery water.

– Col. C.P. Muthanna, Former President, Coorg Wildlife Society, Gonikoppa, South Kodagu, 10.3.2020

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