Supreme Court Strikes Down Centre’s Exemption For Industrial & Educational Buildings From EIA Clearance

The Supreme Court struck down part of the Centre’s January 2025 notification that exempted the construction of industrial sheds, schools, colleges, and hostels from prior environmental clearance. It held the move to be arbitrary and in violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

“Even educational buildings over 20,000 sq m affect the environment, education is no longer just a service, it’s an industry,” the Court noted.

It criticised the lack of oversight by expert bodies like SEIAA and reaffirmed that sustainable development must remain the guiding principle. 

The rest of the notification was upheld. The ruling came in a PIL by NGO Vanashakti challenging the dilution of EIA norms.

[Vanashakti v. Union of India]