Renowned Senior Advocate DLN Rao Passes Away
DLN Rao, an esteemed Senior Advocate and a pivotal figure in Indian mining law, passed away on Monday. With over fifty years of distinguished service in the legal field, Rao’s expertise was particularly notable in areas concerning mining, land acquisition, infrastructure, and public law. His legacy is cemented within the Karnataka Bar and extends to significant contributions at the Karnataka High Court and the Supreme Court of India.
A Legal Luminary in Mining Law
Rao, designated as a Senior Advocate at the Karnataka High Court, was revered as one of the foremost authorities on mining law in the country. His extensive legal practice spanned across various high-profile cases, earning him respect and recognition throughout the legal community.
Role in Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Project
His legal acumen was not limited to mining alone. In 2010, the Karnataka High Court appointed him as amicus curiae in a vital case concerning the proposed underground stretch of Bengaluru’s Namma Metro project. This stretch, planned between the Vidhana Soudha and the High Court through the Cubbon Park area, posed significant environmental and infrastructural challenges. Rao’s counsel was invaluable in balancing the developmental needs with environmental preservation.
The High Court ultimately sanctioned the project, incorporating several safeguards to ensure the restoration of affected lands and the protection of the area’s green cover. Rao’s advocacy emphasized the need for careful consideration of the project’s impact on local flora and the necessity of ancillary structures.
A Lasting Impact in the Legal Field
Rao remained an active participant in significant legal matters until his recent passing. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the practice of law in Karnataka and beyond, ensuring his legacy will endure in legal circles for years to come.
