Environmental Law News and Legal Insights

Environmental Law

Supreme Court Seeks Expert Panel to Determine Scope of Aravalli Mining

The Supreme Court today observed that it will seek expert opinions to determine if and to what extent mining can be permitted in the Aravalli region.

A bench led by CJI Surya Kant maintained the status quo on all licensed mining activities until preliminary ecological issues are addressed.

The Court requested the Ministry of Environment to suggest domain experts to define the 'Aravalli' range and assess the impact of mining on forest cover.

This follows concerns that revised definitions could lead to unregulated environmental damage. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 10th.

Read Details / 11 days ago

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"Mere Passing Orders Not Enough": Supreme Court Closes River Pollution Case, Asks NGT to Oversee Progress

The Supreme Court closed its 2021 suo-motu proceedings on river pollution, holding that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) should ensure continuous monitoring.

The Court observed that despite numerous orders, cleaning rivers remains a firm challenge as implementation often fails to meet expectations.

The Court observed that the NGT, as a specialised environmental tribunal, is better equipped to oversee compliance and sewage treatment. The Bench further held that parallel proceedings in multiple forums can create confusion and hinder uniformity.

The Court directed the CPCB and other relevant authorities to submit regular status reports to the NGT to ensure proper implementation of environmental laws and standards.

Read Details / 11 days ago

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Supreme Court Issues Pan-India Directions on Solid Waste Management

The Supreme Court of India has issued nationwide directions to ensure strict implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, effective April 1.

The Bench flagged uneven compliance and mandated four-stream segregation of wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste, along with necessary infrastructure.

The Court empowered District Collectors to oversee implementation, directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to enforce compliance under the Environment (Protection) Act, and required bulk waste generators to comply by March 31.

Non-compliance will attract immediate fines, criminal prosecution and action against erring officials. Calling waste management a facet of Article 21’s right to life, the Court warned: “It is now or never.”

[Bhopal Municipal Corporation v. Dr Subhash C Pandey]

Read Details / 13 days ago

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Kerala High Court Halts Construction in Kottooli Wetlands Amid Ramsar Process

The Kerala High Court has directed authorities to ensure that no new construction takes place in the prohibited area of the Kottooli wetlands in Kozhikode while the process to declare the site a Ramsar wetland is underway.

The Court observed that permitting permanent structures during the pendency of the designation process would defeat the objective of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and the Ramsar Convention, both aimed at safeguarding ecologically sensitive wetlands.

The Court also directed the State and Union governments to complete the Ramsar designation process within three months, stressing coordinated action.

Meanwhile, the authorities have been asked to strictly enforce restrictions. Existing constructions will be examined separately in the ongoing proceedings.

[Sarovaram Prakrithi Samrakshana Samiti v. Ministry of Environment & Forests & Climate Change & Ors.]

Read Details / 13 days ago

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Bombay High Court Clears Kanjurmarg Land Transfer for Metro Line 6 Depot

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a challenge to the Maharashtra government’s transfer of 15 hectares at Kanjurmarg to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority for the Metro Line 6 car depot.

A Bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar held that the petitioner lacked locus standi, as the lease over the salt pan land had been terminated in 2004 and expired in 2016. In the absence of a subsisting right, the Court refused to exercise its writ jurisdiction.

The Court also noted that the Union government had resolved its ownership dispute with the State.

All interim restraints on the project now stand vacated.

[Mahesh Garodia v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.]

Read Details / 21 days ago

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Rahul Narwekar: Maharashtra Assembly to Hold Dedicated Environmental Debate Each Session

Rahul Narwekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, said that at least one dedicated discussion on environmental issues will be held in every Assembly session.

Speaking at the National Environment Youth Parliament in Nagpur, he noted that nearly 24–30% of Assembly debates already touch upon drought, erratic rainfall, and environmental crises. However, he stressed the need for focused deliberations specifically on climate change.

He said the legislature remains the proper forum to frame laws and policies on environmental concerns.

Narwekar also praised the youth parliament initiative, stating that such platforms help strengthen parliamentary democracy.

Read Details / 21 days ago

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NGT Tells BMC to Focus on Protecting Bhoj Wetland, Not Decide Land Titles

The National Green Tribunal has reminded the Bhopal Municipal Corporation that its role is to protect the Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar-designated site, and not to adjudicate land rights in an encroachment matter near Upper Lake.

The Tribunal noted that while the BMC reported removal of nine out of 35 encroachments, further action has stalled due to local resistance and pending title disputes before revenue courts.

It clarified that questions relating to right, title and interest must be decided by competent courts.

The BMC has been directed to file a fresh action taken report within two weeks, ahead of the next hearing on April 7.

Read Details / 21 days ago

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Meghalaya High Court Orders Arrests in Illegal Coal Mining Case After Jaintia Hills Blast

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the immediate arrest of those involved in alleged illegal coal mining following a mine blast in East Jaintia Hills that claimed at least 18 lives. The Court also summoned the district Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner to appear before it.

The directions were issued in a suo motu case initiated after media reports on the explosion at an illegal coal mine in the Thangsku area.

The Bench ordered authorities to identify and arrest mine owners and operators, seize incriminating materials, and ensure medical assistance to affected persons.

Senior officials have been asked to file an action-taken report and remain personally present before the Court on February 9.

Read Details / 30 days ago

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Patna High Court Directs Strict Enforcement of Night-Time Noise Pollution Rules

The Patna High Court directed the Bihar Police to strictly enforce the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, including a complete ban on loudspeakers, amplifiers, and firecrackers between 10 pm and 6 am.

The Court asked the Patna Senior Superintendent of Police to ensure compliance by all Station House Officers.

It noted that citizens can report violations via the 112 emergency helpline, which is integrated with noise-monitoring systems.

The Court also sought a detailed report from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board on steps taken to address air and dust pollution in the state capital.

[Surendra Prasad v. State of Bihar]

Read Details / 30 days ago

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Odisha High Court Slams Delay in ‘Har Ghar Jal’ Project, Seeks Status Report

The Orissa High Court pulled up the Odisha government over delays in implementing the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ drinking water scheme in 135 villages of Cuttack district.

The Court noted that although the project was sanctioned in 2017 and scheduled for completion within two years, residents still lack a doorstep water supply.

It observed that authorities acted only after a representation was made in 2025 and expressed concern over the absence of a decision even after issuing a show-cause notice to the contractor.

The Court directed the Engineer-in-Chief to submit a detailed progress report within two weeks.

[Ramesh Chandra Das v. State of Odisha]

Read Details / 30 days ago

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Kerala High Court Orders Special Drives to Remove Illegal Hoardings, Banners and Flags from Public Places

The Kerala High Court directed the Local Self Government Institutions Department to conduct special drives to remove all illegal flex boards, banners, flags and festoons from public places across the State.

The Court ordered joint secretaries to issue immediate instructions to local body secretaries and ensure that no fresh installations or replacements take place.

It fixed a two-week timeline for compliance and warned that defaulting officers would have to appear before the Court online.

The directions were issued while hearing a review petition on the State’s failure to comply with earlier orders on removing unauthorised installations.

Read Details / 30 days ago

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Bombay High Court Constitutes High Power Committee to Monitor Mumbai Air Pollution

The Bombay High Court set up a High Power Committee comprising retired Justices Amjad Sayed and Anuja Prabhudesai to oversee implementation of its directions for addressing air pollution in Mumbai.

The case arose from suo motu proceedings after the Court found that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had failed to effectively control rising pollution levels despite repeated orders.

The Court directed the committee to scrutinise reports submitted by civic bodies, propose immediate, medium, and long-term remedial measures, and advise on framing a Graded Response Action Plan for Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

The committee was also required to place periodic reports before the Court.

[High Court of Judicature at Bombay on its own motion v. State of Maharashtra]

Read Details / a month ago

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Punjab & Haryana High Court Flags Rampant Illegal Mining in Aravalli Region, Orders Site Sealing

The Punjab and Haryana High Court flagged large-scale illegal mining in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri district, calling it a case of rampant plunder of natural resources.

The Court directed the State to immediately seal the mining site within 48 hours and ordered the Deputy Commissioner to videograph the entire process. It observed that regulatory oversight had prima facie failed and that official connivance could not be ruled out.

The Court also questioned a mining closure order produced by the State, terming it a possible cover-up. The Chief Secretary has been directed to file a personal affidavit detailing steps to address the environmental damage.

The next hearing is scheduled for February 25.

[Residents of Pichopa Kalan Village v. State of Haryana]

Read Details / a month ago

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“No Hope If Home Minister Also Helpless”: Karnataka HC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Illegal Sand Mining

The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of rampant illegal sand mining in the State, observing that the situation is grim if even the Home Minister feels helpless in curbing the activity.

Triggered by media reports and the Home Minister’s admission in the Legislative Assembly, the Court noted that powerful interests across party lines appear to be involved.

A Division Bench remarked that the issue may require a court-monitored probe by a central agency or a Special Investigation Team.

The Court also flagged environmental damage, threats to whistleblowers, public safety risks, and the failure of enforcement mechanisms meant to control illegal mining.

Read order / a month ago

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Supreme Court Refuses to Halt Tree Felling for Ahmedabad Riverfront Phase-II Project

The Supreme Court declined to interfere with tree felling undertaken for the second phase of the Ahmedabad riverfront development project, observing that development and environmental protection must progress together.

The Court noted that the trees cut were of wild growth on non-forest land and capable of regrowth, and that compensatory afforestation was planned.

Upholding the National Green Tribunal’s decision, the Court held that environmental concerns had been duly considered and directed the NGT to constitute a committee to identify land for compensatory plantation.

Read Details / a month ago

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