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]