The National Green Tribunal (NGT) upheld the environmental clearance for the Gare Palma Sector-II coal mine in Chhattisgarh, designating it a project of "national importance."

The Bench ruled that India’s energy security is critical given global supply disruptions from the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East wars.

Addressing residents' concerns over pollution and groundwater, the Tribunal applied the "principle of proportionality," holding that national energy needs outweigh localized hardships if mitigation measures are strictly followed.

The NGT noted that fresh expert studies had sufficiently addressed earlier environmental deficiencies, ensuring a necessary balance between systemic fossil fuel dependence and ecological protection.

Developing a scientific temper is essential for environmental preservation and does not inherently oppose religious faith, Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Abhay S Oka observed.

Speaking at a lecture series in Chennai, he noted that practices like pouring milk into rivers significantly harm marine life by depleting oxygen levels in the water.

The Court remarked that actions taken in the name of religion should be tested against scientific reasoning to determine their ecological impact.

Justice Oka further highlighted that the poor often bear the brunt of pollution caused by urban populations and stressed the need for better public support for environmental activists who challenge legal violations.

The Supreme Court approved a proposal to enhance the Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) for commercial vehicles entering Delhi to combat air pollution.

A Bench led by CJI Surya Kant accepted recommendations from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revise rates effective April 1, 2026.

The Court also mandated a 5% annual increase in the ECC to ensure the deterrent remains effective against inflation.

Emphasizing that non-essential commercial traffic should utilize peripheral expressways, the Bench noted the revision is "reasonable, just, and fair". The move aims to significantly discourage diesel vehicle entry into the capital.

[MC Mehta v. UOI]

The Karnataka High Court refused to impose an immediate ban on tiger safaris in the State while hearing a plea seeking their prohibition in critical tiger habitats.

The Court directed the State government to file a detailed affidavit explaining the demarcation of core, buffer, and tourism zones, along with maps and locations where safaris are conducted.

It noted that safaris are generally permitted only in buffer or designated tourism zones, not core areas, but questioned whether violations actually exist.

The plea raised concerns about conservation norms and human-wildlife conflict, but the Court chose to examine facts before taking any restrictive action.

The Supreme Court of India strongly criticised the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan over rampant illegal sand mining in the Chambal Sanctuary.

The Court questioned how such large-scale excavation could continue unchecked, remarking that it was happening “under your nose” and reflected either administrative failure or possible connivance.

It flagged serious risks to public safety, wildlife, and infrastructure, noting that mining had weakened bridge pillars used by thousands daily.

The Court also referred to incidents of violence by sand mafias and failure of authorities to act in time. The matter has been reserved for orders.

The Supreme Court directed the sealing of 44 unauthorised properties in Meerut’s Central Market area while coming down heavily on a former divisional commissioner for defying its demolition orders.

The Court termed the officer’s decision to halt demolitions due to “public hue and cry” as an “absolute defiance” of judicial directions and stressed that public officials must uphold the rule of law.

It also expressed concern over schools and hospitals operating from illegal structures, questioning how such establishments obtained utilities and permissions. 

[Lokesh Kumar Khurana v. Rajendra Kumar Barjatya & other connected cases]

The Supreme Court has expanded the scope of a plea regarding unauthorized land use to a pan-India level, addressing the rampant conversion of residential areas into commercial zones.

A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R Mahadevan observed that such illegal practices cause significant civic and environmental prejudice to bona fide residents.

The Court impleaded municipal authorities of all State and Union Territory capital cities, directing them to conduct comprehensive inquiries within their jurisdictions.

Commissioners must now file detailed affidavits identifying residential areas misused for non-residential purposes.

[Loganathan v. The State of Tamil Nadu & Ors.]

The Bombay High Court quashed a ₹7.5 lakh penalty imposed on a farmer for alleged illegal sand excavation, holding that mere presence of a JCB in his field and clay residue in its bucket is insufficient evidence.

The Court found that revenue authorities acted on assumptions without proper inquiry or proof.

It noted inconsistencies in official records and defects in the panchanama, including absence of date and lack of supporting material.

Emphasising principles of natural justice, the Court also observed that the farmer was not given a fair hearing. Calling the action arbitrary and harassing, the Court set aside all penalty orders.

[Gunaji Ramji Surnar v. State of Maharashtra & Ors.]

A Petition has been filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) highlighting the severe air pollution crisis in India. It states that air quality has deteriorated to such an extent that breathing itself has become a health risk.

It raises concerns about the failure of authorities to effectively control pollution levels and implement existing environmental regulations.

The plea seeks urgent intervention and stronger measures to address the situation and protect public health.

The matter is scheduled to be taken up by the Tribunal for further hearing on May 14, 2026.

The Supreme Court has termed the housing of 400 spotted deer in a facility designed for only 34 as "grave cruelty."

The Bench noted a Central Empowered Committee report highlighting chronic mismanagement by the Delhi Development Authority.

The Court had previously halted translocations due to a "distressing pattern of negligence" and poor survival rates. The Bench has now directed a scientific, welfare-compliant roadmap for relocation to identified forest ranges.

Additionally, the DDA must explain the reduction in the park’s area and immediately cease leasing the premises for commercial events.

[New Delhi Nature Society Through Verhaen Khanna v. Director Horticulture, DDA & Ors.]

The Gujarat High Court questioned the State’s prolonged inaction on a proposal to ban glue traps, used for catching animals and widely criticised for causing severe suffering to the animals. 

Hearing a PIL, the Court noted that the proposal had remained stuck at the stage of inter-departmental discussions for over seven months without progress.

Expressing concern over continued animal cruelty due to this delay, the Bench directed the Principal Secretary of the Home Department to file a personal affidavit explaining the inaction and steps taken.

The matter is listed for further hearing on March 27.

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking an investigation into wildlife imports by Vantara, an animal rehabilitation facility managed by the Reliance Group.

The Bench noted that a court-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) had already cleared the facility of any domestic or international law violations in September 2025.

The Court observed that imports made under valid permissions cannot be treated as illegal due to subsequent objections. Further holding that relocating animals after lawful import could amount to cruelty.

Finding no merit in the allegations regarding CITES documentation, the Court refused to interfere with the settled environment of the animals.

[Karanartham Viramah Foundation v. UOI & Ors]

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a petition raising concerns over mercury leakage from waste residue at the Union Carbide site.

The Bench directed the petitioner to approach the Madhya Pradesh High Court with its supporting scientific evidence.

The petitioner relied on an IIT Hyderabad report alleging that current incineration trial reports failed to accurately detect high mercury concentrations, risking groundwater contamination at the Pithampur disposal site.

The Bench observed that since the High Court has monitored the matter for two decades, it is the appropriate forum to examine expert deliberations on the safety of the disposal process.

[Bhopal Gas Peedith Sangharsh Sahyog Samiti v. UOI & Ors.]