Search cases

In re: Illegal mining and river demarcation in Rajasthan

The Supreme Court is hearing allegations of illegal mining and river degradation along Rajasthan's Jojari, Luni, and Bandi river systems. On 26 October 2026, the Court warned the state of a potential CBI investigation regarding the regularisation of mining leases and alleged misrepresentation of demarcation orders. On 27 October 2026, the Court directed the Rajasthan government to implement Common Effluent Treatment Plant and Zero Liquid Discharge plans to address ongoing pollution and restoration concerns.

In re: Cancellation of Ryotwari Patta over water bodies in Tiruvallur district

The Supreme Court upheld the cancellation of ryotwari pattas issued on land classified as government water bodies in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district. In a judgment delivered on 23 October 2026, the Court mandated that authorities must provide alternative land to twenty innocent flat owners before proceeding with the demolition of illegal structures. The court reiterated that statutory land classification remains unchanged by zoning rules.

M.C. Mehta vs Union of India — Delhi pollution crisis

The Supreme Court is monitoring the air pollution crisis in Delhi through the long-pending M.C. Mehta case, which includes the appointment of 13 Court Commissioners to oversee truck bans. As of 23 October 2026, authorities have implemented the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan, and the Delhi Traffic Police are coordinating new inter-state vehicle entry restrictions to mitigate rising pollution levels.

Rajeev Suri vs Delhi Development Authority — Central Vista Project case

In a 2:1 verdict on 5 January 2021, the Supreme Court upheld the Central Vista project. Following this, the court initiated a suo motu case on 16 October 2026 regarding the relocation of the Central Secretariat Library. Additionally, on 17 October 2026, the court expressed dissatisfaction with authorities concerning the preservation of Delhi's heritage sites during a hearing of a petition filed by Rajeev Suri.

State of Tamil Nadu vs State of Karnataka — Cauvery water sharing

The Supreme Court is hearing a dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka concerning the release of 11 TMC of Cauvery water to address crop distress and drought management. Following heated arguments, the Supreme Court reserved its order on the plea as of 12 October 2026. This case continues to address compliance issues under the Cauvery Management Scheme, which the court approved on 18 May 2018.

Arjun Gopal vs Union of India — Firecrackers ban case

In the Arjun Gopal vs Union of India matter, the Supreme Court has maintained its refusal to impose a complete nationwide firecracker ban, opting instead for regulated use to address pollution concerns. As of 13 October 2026, the Court continues to emphasize voluntary restraint and sensitivity toward religious sentiments while reviewing the impact of barium-based crackers and pollution following expert input from the Central Pollution Control Board.

Coal Block Allocation Cases (Coalgate) — CBI/ED trials, Supreme Court supervision, and related appeals

The Coal Block Allocation cases involve allegations of irregularities in allocations between 1993 and 2011, which the Supreme Court declared arbitrary in 2014. While criminal proceedings against former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh were closed on 29 July 2026, trials continue before Special Courts in Delhi. As of 13 October 2026, a special CBI court took cognisance of charges in the Fatehpur East coal block allocation case, while the Delhi High Court has been permitted to hear pending appeals as of 30 July 2026.

In re: Alleged violation of GM crop policy

Petitioners have moved the Supreme Court seeking urgent listing of contempt pleas, alleging that the Centre's approval of herbicide-tolerant GM basmati rice violates the court's 2024 directions regarding national GM crop policies.

Delhi Ridge tree-felling case — Contempt of court for environmental violation

In its judgment delivered on 28 May 2025, the Supreme Court held the Delhi Development Authority guilty of criminal contempt for illegally felling trees in the Delhi Ridge. While authorities have since inaugurated 185 acres of compensatory afforestation as 18 Namo Oxygen Parks, the Ridge Management Board continues to scrutinize various infrastructure proposals and oversee the removal of invasive species as of 23 September 2026.

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

The Supreme Court established the Central Empowered Committee in 2002 to monitor forest conservation compliance and advise the court on forest laws. As reported on 14 September 2026, the court permitted Oil India to challenge the rejection of a drilling permit within a national park, as the company alleges that authorities misapplied the court's 26 April 2023 judgment concerning mining prohibitions in protected areas.

Vyakti Vikas Kendra India v. Manoj Misra (Dead) & Ors. — Polluter Pays Principle and Environmental Damage

The Supreme Court set aside an NGT order against Art of Living in a Yamuna floodplain matter. The Court held that the Polluter Pays Principle cannot be invoked absent a demonstrable link to environmental damage. The Court found that contemporaneous material showed the site was already damaged before it was handed over to the appellant.

In re: Post Facto Environmental Clearances

On 19 August 2026, the Supreme Court struck down the 2021 Office Memorandum that allowed for ex-post-facto environmental clearances, ruling that prior environmental approval is the mandatory rule. The Court affirmed on 25 August 2026 that the Union of India may exercise statutory authority under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to implement time-bound amnesty schemes for environmental clearances, provided these schemes are enacted through statutory notifications rather than administrative orders.

Gujarat Pollution Control Board vs. Property Owner — Environmental violations by unlicensed dye manufacturing tenant

The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board, upholding a November 2025 National Green Tribunal order that absolved a property owner of liability for environmental violations committed by a tenant. The tenant had operated an unlicensed dye manufacturing facility that discharged harmful effluents. The Supreme Court concluded on 8 June 2026 that a landlord cannot be held accountable for a tenant's environmental breaches.

Encroachment Clearance in Agasthyamalai Landscape

In the case of A. John Kennedy vs State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court issued a judgment on 29 May 2026 regarding the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape. The court ordered the time-bound removal of all encroachments from protected areas, including the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, and mandated the closure of resorts within the region.

M/s Aarsuday Projects Infrastructure Pvt Ltd vs Jogen Chowdhury

The Supreme Court set aside a Calcutta High Court order in a PIL concerning land use in Shantiniketan, cautioning against the use of PILs for selective challenges and emphasizing the need for evidence-based claims.

Gene Campaign v Union of India — Genetically modified mustard environmental release case

In Gene Campaign v Union of India, the Supreme Court heard petitions challenging the environmental release of genetically modified mustard. On 23 July 2024, the court delivered a split verdict regarding the regulatory approval granted to the release of DMH-11. Justice B.V. Nagarathna held that the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee failed to apply the precautionary principle, while Justice Sanjay Karol upheld the government's decision to allow the release.

Gene Campaign v. Union of India

In the matter of Gene Campaign versus the Union of India, the Supreme Court of India delivered a judgment on 23 July 2024. The court addressed the regulatory framework for genetically engineered organisms, specifically focusing on the prohibitions under Rule 7 concerning the import, export, manufacture, and use of genetically modified crops.

State of Kerala vs Kapico Kerala Resorts Pvt Ltd — Coastal Regulation Zone violation case

A seven-star private resort in Kerala was ordered to be demolished following a 14-year legal battle regarding violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Act. The Supreme Court had previously upheld the demolition order due to the illegal construction of the structure in a protected coastal area.