SC directs states and Union Territories to ensure compliance with the ambit of expression ‘forest’ as explained in the decision in TN Godavarman

On February 19, 2024, the Supreme Court of India passed an interim order directing the states and Union territories to go by the dictionary meaning of ‘forest’ as upheld in its decision in the 1996 T.N. Godavarman case to determine whether any work can be approved on any land. This order was passed by a bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud while hearing a batch of petitions against the 2023 amendments to the Forest Conservative Act. The order reads, “Pending the completion of exercise by the administration of the State Government and Union Territories under Rule 16, the principles which are elucidated in the judgment of this court in TN Godavarman must be continued to be observed. As a matter of fact, it is evident that Rule 16 includes within its ambit forest-like areas to be identified by the expert committee, unclassed forest lands, and community forest lands. In the interregnum therefore, while being guided by the provisions of the statute and those contained in Rule 16, the State Governments and UT administrations shall peremptorily ensure compliance with the ambit of expression ‘forest’ as explained in the decision in TN Godavarman.”