The Supreme Court of India has reserved its verdict on whether projects that violated environmental norms can be granted clearance later. The decision will impact projects worth thousands of crores and future environmental law enforcement in India.
The Supreme Court upheld the Environment Ministry’s 2021 notification on mandatory public hearings, striking down the exemption clause for major projects. It stressed, “Natural resources are to be held in trust for the next generation,” reinforcing intergenerational equity and environmental protection.
NEW DELHI: On February 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of India expressed its disapproval towards the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) for taking two years to approach the court regarding a Madras High Court decision. This decision had quashed a showcause notice against the Isha Foundation for constructing multiple buildings between 2006 and 2014.
The Supreme Court restored an order halting construction at Jilling Estate, Uttarakhand, due to concerns of ecological damage and wildlife disruption. Birendra Singh’s plea for comprehensive environmental impact assessment was upheld. The dispute over single-window clearances and ‘Deemed Forest’ classification continues, with the next hearing scheduled for August 12.