T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India — Forest Conservation Case

Updates

1. Hearing14 Sep 2026

   Supreme Court grants Oil India permission to challenge rejection of drilling permit in national park

   The Supreme Court has permitted Oil India to file a petition challenging the rejection of its proposal for drilling activities within a national park, as the company contends that authorities misapplied the Court's April 26, 2023, judgment regarding mining prohibitions in protected areas.

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Supreme Court allowed a company to appeal the refusal of its request to drill for oil.

   Who:

   The Supreme Court of India acts as the judge, and Oil India is the company seeking permission.

   When:

   Reported on 14 Sep 2026.

   Where:

   Supreme Court of India.

   Why:

   Oil India believes officials wrongly applied a previous court ruling about bans on mining in protected lands.

   What it means:

   The court will now consider the company's challenge regarding the denied permit for the national park.

   Business Standard
2. News11 Sep 2023

   CONTROVERSY | Will the new CEC be able to protect India’s forests?

   On May 9, 2002, the Supreme Court of India (SC) directed the setting up of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) that would advise the apex court on...

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The court is questioning if the new Central Empowered Committee can effectively protect forests.

   Who:

   The Supreme Court of India is the judicial body, and the Central Empowered Committee acts as its advisor.

   When:

   Reported on 11 Sep 2023.

   Where:

   Supreme Court of India.

   Why:

   The court established the committee to advise it on forest protection matters.

   What it means:

   The court is now evaluating whether the new members of this committee can fulfill their duty.

   The Hindu