The State and Shell are challenging a court decision to set aside offshore drilling rights granted along the South-West Coast’s Block 5/6/7.
Shahil Singh, Legal Advisor of the Green Connection, said both the State (the Minister and Director General of Mineral Resources and Energy) and Shell, have filed applications for leave to appeal – seeking permission to challenge the High Court decision, in either the Supreme Court of Appeal or before a full bench of the High Court.
Singh said “while this is disappointing, we are hopeful that the High Court will uphold its ruling, which was a big win for human rights and climate justice, especially for those who are likely to be most affected. Moreover, without the public having had a meaningful opportunity to interrogate the full, updated Oil Spill and Blowout Contingency Plans, we do not see how this can be granted.”
Civil society groups raised alarm in August, about blowout plans, that were never availed to the public, until after the environmental approval was granted.
The State and Shell now argue that the Court misapplied the law, but The Green Connection and Natural Justice, maintain that the ruling is legally sound and consistent with the Constitution and environmental laws.
Picture: Shell