The Supreme Court has allowed CPWD to construct a water-storage facility and lay pipelines in Buddha Jayanti Park, part of the sensitive Delhi Ridge area. The decision comes despite concerns over possible tree felling and environmental impact raised during the hearing.
Justice Abhay S. Oka stated that activities like bursting firecrackers or polluting rivers cannot be justified under Article 25’s freedom of religion. He urged citizens and courts to prioritise environmental protection over religious sentiments.
Today, On 15th September, The Supreme Court, warned that Himachal faces an ecological crisis where the entire state may vanish in thin air from India’s map, has rescheduled its order to September 23, stressing the issue impacts the entire Himalayan region critically.
Ecological imbalance in Himachal Pradesh has reached alarming levels, prompting the Supreme Court to appoint an amicus curiae. The Court stressed expert guidance is essential to address environmental concerns, climate change, hydropower impact, deforestation, and sustainable development challenges.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the state’s 2025 land pooling policy, flagging missing impact studies, no timelines, and lack of rehabilitation plans. The court said it was “notified in haste” without addressing key concerns.
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.
On July 19, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai and Supreme Court judges participated in Van Mahotsav 2025, promoting environmental conservation through the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign. CJI Gavai planted a tree in memory of his mother, emphasizing sustainable development and the judiciary’s role in protecting the environment.
Justice Abhay S Oka emphasized the vital link between environmental and social justice during his speech at the SILF Climate Change Conference 2025. He highlighted how pollution disproportionately impacts the poor and stressed that protecting the environment is essential for human dignity and health, urging support for environmental advocacy in India.
In a heartfelt letter to the CJI on May 20, women protesters from Sanoth village urged, “Please protect our right to live,” saying they feel “forgotten” and forced to survive in “Delhi’s dumping ground.”
On May 28, 2025, the Supreme Court of India upheld the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directives for constructing a verandah and using green paver blocks at the Chandigarh Capitol Complex, emphasizing sustainable development. This decision addressed parking issues while ensuring preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage site’s integrity and ecological balance.
