The original application, filed by Selvaraj Duraiswamy, sought a direction to TANGEDCO to obtain fresh environmental and CRZ clearances for the project. On July 7, the Tribunal had restrained further work after noting that the utility had not produced valid clearances, with the original environmental clearance having expired on December 31, 2025. TANGEDCO contended that about four years and three months spent in litigation before the Supreme Court and the NGT should be excluded while computing the validity of its clearance. The applicant opposed the plea, arguing that an environmental clearance could not be bypassed and that merely applying for an extension did not authorise continuation of the project. Operating without a valid environmental clearance, the applicant contended, could attract penalties under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.