The Supreme Court refused to pass any interim order against Adani Group’s proposed thermal power plant in Uttar Pradesh. The Court said development and environmental concerns must be balanced and sought responses from the Centre and the State government.
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to pass any immediate order against the Adani Group’s proposed thermal power plant project in Uttar Pradesh, stating that it would first examine the responses of the State government and the Central government before taking any decision. The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi.
During the hearing, the Court made it clear that it cannot issue directions without understanding the full position of the authorities concerned.
The Bench observed,
“The state may be power-deficient. We can’t pass orders like this. We need to strike a balance between environmental concerns and development,”
while addressing senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, who appeared for an environmental activist challenging the project.
The petition raises concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed power plant. Senior advocate Parikh argued that the project site is surrounded by forest areas and could pose a serious threat to wildlife, including sloth bears and other animals.
He further submitted that environmental clearance was granted to the Adani Group even though the matter is pending before the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal. According to him, large-scale construction activity in such an ecologically sensitive zone could cause irreversible environmental damage.
Highlighting the scale of the project, Parikh told the Court,
“They are building a huge power plant over there, and (it) may affect the environment and the wildlife,”
urging the Bench to intervene before further progress is made on the ground.
Responding to the submissions, Chief Justice Kant acknowledged that environmental concerns are important but stressed that developmental projects cannot be halted in a routine manner. He noted that objections are often raised against various infrastructure projects—whether related to power plants, forests, or rivers—and courts must carefully assess each case.
The CJI remarked,
“We are not doubting what you are saying. But can it be permitted with proper safeguards?”
indicating that the Court is open to examining whether the project can proceed with adequate environmental protections in place.
The Bench emphasised the importance of having a strong enforcement system and scientific evaluation mechanisms to ensure that environmental safeguards are strictly implemented. It also pointed out that balancing development and ecological preservation is a complex but necessary exercise in a growing economy.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Kant directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhatti, appearing for the Centre, to file a detailed response explaining how the government plans to address ecological concerns while pursuing developmental needs. The Court specifically sought clarity on the safeguards proposed and the broader framework for maintaining environmental balance in such projects.
The Supreme Court also granted time to the Uttar Pradesh government and the Adani Group to submit their replies. The matter will now proceed after the Court examines these responses.
The case highlights the continuing legal debate in India over balancing economic development with environmental protection. While the petitioner has raised concerns about forest land and wildlife, the Court has signalled that any decision must be based on detailed facts, scientific assessment, and the views of all stakeholders involved.
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