Environmental Law News and Legal Insights

Kerala High Court Bars Commercial Film Shoots in Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, and Protected Forests

On July 28, the Kerala High Court held that the 2013 government order permitting commercial film and television shoots in forest areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves lacks legal validity.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji ruled that the order contravenes the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Court directed the State government to issue appropriate follow-up instructions within four weeks.

The ruling came in response to concerns over environmental degradation during a film shoot, including unauthorized road construction and waste dumping.

The bench also left open the scope for challenging any future amendments or policies.

[Angels Nair v The Principal Secretary and Others]

a day ago

UjjwalBookmark

Kerala High Court Upholds Ban on Single-Use Plastic Items, Rejects Refund Pleas by Manufacturers and Traders

The Kerala High Court dismissed writ petitions from plastic manufacturers and traders challenging the state’s 2019 single-use plastic ban, upholding the state’s authority under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Citing Supreme Court precedent, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Paper Cup Manufacturers Association v State of Tamil Nadu, the court confirmed the legality of the ban. It noted that the Central government rules on single-use plastics issued in 2021 and 2022 further validate Kerala’s orders.

The Court also refused to order refunds claimed for fines or losses due to the ban, stating such disputed facts should be resolved in the appropriate forum.

[Glister Sachet India Private Limited v State of Kerala & ors and connected cases]

Judgement Copy / 2 days ago

MalavikaBookmark

Delhi Govt Seeks Review of Supreme Court Age-Based Vehicle Ban, Calls It Unscientific

The Delhi government has urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its 2018 order banning diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old in the NCT region.

In an application filed in the MC Mehta v. Union of India case, the government argued that the ban lacks a scientific basis and disproportionately affects middle- and lower-income groups.

Citing stricter emission norms like BS-VI and improved PUC enforcement, it contended that roadworthy, low-emission vehicles are being unnecessarily scrapped.

The government called for a fresh scientific study, highlighting that global standards prioritize emissions testing over arbitrary age limits. The hearing is scheduled for July 28.

Read Details / 3 days ago

UjjwalBookmark

Bombay High Court Seeks Expert Opinion on Health Risks from Kabutarkhanas, Cites Lung Disease Concerns

The Bombay High Court has asked a senior pulmonologist to assess health hazards linked to pigeon droppings at public feeding areas called Kabutarkhanas. This comes amid petitions challenging the BMC’s move to dismantle these areas.

The court stressed that public health takes priority over feeding rights, citing links between pigeon exposure and severe lung diseases like hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A doctor from KEM Hospital has already submitted medical evidence.

The Court directed a detailed review and set August 7 for the next hearing. Meanwhile, it banned the use of firecrackers to disperse pigeons during the interim period.

[Gunvatrai Maganlal Shah v State of Maharashtra & Ors]

Read Order / 3 days ago

UjjwalBookmark

Allahabad High Court Quashes Pollution Board's Compensation Orders

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has quashed 178 orders by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board that imposed environmental compensation on various parties.

The Court held that the Board lacks adjudicatory powers and can only issue administrative directions.

Justices Attau Rahman Masoodi and Subhash Vidyarthi ruled that only the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has the authority to assess and impose compensation for environmental harm.

The Court opined that the Board must approach the NGT for such relief and called for clearer legislation, as no existing state law grants it the power to penalise independently.

4 days ago

MalavikaBookmark

Supreme Court to Hear Plea on Allowing BS-VI End-of-Life Vehicles in Delhi-NCR

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking permission for BS-VI compliant end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) to operate in the Delhi-NCR region, despite expiry under the current vehicle scrappage norms.

The plea challenges the blanket ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi government, which prohibits 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles, regardless of emission compliance.

The petitioner argues that BS-VI vehicles meet stringent environmental norms and scrapping them causes unnecessary economic and environmental costs.

However, this direction was later put on hold following a public backlash.

Read Details / 4 days ago

YashashviBookmark

SC Slams Telangana Over Forest Felling Can't Bulldoze Nature Overnight

Case Name: Kancha Gachibowli Forest, State of Telangana

The Supreme Court has halted further tree cutting in Telangana’s Kancha Gachibowli forest, criticising the State for clearing over 400 acres "overnight with bulldozers" under the guise of development.

The felling, allegedly done over a long weekend across 400 acres for an IT project under TGIIC, was protested as the area is an eco-sensitive zone.

The Court invoked environmental protections, paused further felling via an interim stay, and ordered a status quo.

The Court directed the Central Empowered Committee to inspect the site. The State must clarify if permissions were obtained and justify any urgency under environmental law.

Read Details / 4 days ago

PrakshaalBookmark

Bombay High Court Seeks Clarification on POP Ganesh Idol Immersions

The Bombay High Court is hearing petitions challenging the immersion of over 5-feet-tall Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesh idols in natural water bodies.

The petitioners, including environmental groups, argue that this move contradicts previous court orders and Central Pollution Control Guidelines, as POPs idols severely harm aquatic ecosystems. The Court noted the State had previously assured the use of artificial tanks and asked the Maharashtra government to clarify its changed policy.

The issue is significant ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The Court has sought an explanation from the state government on how the new approach complies with environmental laws.

Read Details / 6 days ago

YashashviBookmark

Gujarat High Court Asks Municipal Corporations to Install Cloth Bag Vending Machines at Tourist Spots

Case Name: Amit Manibhai Panchal v State of Gujarat & ors.

The Gujarat High Court has directed eight municipal corporations and municipalities managing tourist spots like Dwarka and Somnath to install cloth bag vending machines and reverse vending machines for plastic bottle collection, with a view to encouraging plastic waste disposal and recycling.

A bench urged authorities to adopt eco-friendly initiatives similar to Ahmedabad and Surat, as per the Gujarat Pollution Control Board’s model.

The order came while hearing a PIL on plastic waste management near temples on Girnar hill. The Court also stressed the need for public awareness campaigns and strict compliance with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The matter will be heard next on September 12.

Read Details / 7 days ago

UjjwalBookmark

Punjab and Haryana High Court Closes PIL on DLF’s Tree Felling, Orders Afforestation

Case Name: Court on its Motion v. State of Haryana

The Punjab and Haryana High Court closed a suo moto PIL regarding the felling of nearly 2,000 trees by DLF in Gurugram after the Haryana government confirmed the land does not fall within the protected Aravalli forest zone.

The Court noted that DLF had secured proper permissions and followed due process.

The Court further directed DLF to plant ten times the number of trees cut and ordered state authorities to ensure compliance during the monsoon.

With no coercive action pending and no violation found, the Court disposed of the petition, emphasizing environmental safeguards while acknowledging lawful development.

Read Details / 8 days ago

MalavikaBookmark

Adani Port Moves Moves Supreme Court Against NGT’s Environmental Penalty Order

Adani Krishnapatnam Port Limited (AKPL) has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the National Green Tribunal’s February 2025 order directing the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board to impose environmental compensation for past violations.

The case stemmed from a local complaint alleging that coal handling operations caused air pollution, damaging public health and vegetation.

Despite the withdrawal of the complaint after partial compliance, a joint report confirmed the non-implementation of pollution control norms. The NGT ordered penalties, green belt development, mechanisation of berths, and the use of treated sewage.

AKPL claimed the directions were excessive, but the Supreme Court refused to stay the order.

Read Details / 12 days ago

PrakshaalBookmark

Bombay High Court Clears Gateway of India Jetty Project with Environmental Restrictions

The Bombay High Court has allowed the ₹229 crore passenger jetty and terminal project near Mumbai’s Gateway of India, but imposed key restrictions to protect the heritage site and local environment.

A bench said the café at the terminal can only serve water and packaged food, with no dining allowed.

The proposed amphitheatre can only be used as a sitting area, not for entertainment events.

The Court noted the lack of sewage treatment facilities but declined to stop the project, calling instead for a sustainable and balanced approach. (Clean and Heritage Colaba Residents Association v. State of Maharashtra & Ors)

Read Details / 14 days ago

UjjwalBookmark

10,000 Trees at Risk: MP High Court Stays Government Office Project Over Tree Felling Fears

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has stayed the construction of administrative offices on nursery land in Mandla town after a PIL warned it would lead to the felling of over 10,000 trees.

A Division Bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva issued notices to the State Government and relevant officials, seeking their response before July 14 (Next date of hearing).

The petitioner, Abdul Gaffar Qureshi, argued that the 6-km-long garden is essential for Mandla’s green cover and oxygen supply.

The Court ordered the status quo on the land and advised exploring an alternative site for the project. (Abdul Gaffar Quareshi v State of Madhya Pradesh)

Read Details / 22 days ago

SrushtiBookmark

Meghalaya High Court Directs State to Enforce Ban on Plastic Carry Bags Below 120 Microns Across All Districts

The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state to ensure full enforcement of the ban on plastic carry bags below 120 microns. The state informed the court that 11 out of 12 districts, except East Jaintia Hills, have issued prohibitory orders.

The bench acknowledged the initial steps taken, including monitoring and awareness drives, but emphasised the need for stricter implementation across all districts.

The court ordered East Jaintia Hills authorities to submit a compliance report before the next hearing on August 12, 2025.

Order Copy / 28 days ago

MalavikaBookmark

Can Stone or Metal Crusher Units Legally Operate in Eco-Sensitive Zones, Supreme Court Seek Expert Opinion

The Supreme Court on June 26 asked for the opinion of an amicus curiae in the TN Godavarman Thirumalpad forest case on whether stone or metal crusher units can legally operate in Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) near protected forests.

M/s Alankar Granites challenged a Kerala High Court order that stopped their crusher unit located 1.6 km from the Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary.

The petitioner argued the unit does not involve mining, only crushing imported stones, and lies outside the ESZ.

Referring to earlier SC rulings that ban prohibited activities in ESZs, the Supreme Court will hear further submissions after receiving the amicus’s opinion.

a month ago

PrakshaalBookmark