Why in the news?
The Supreme Court (SC) recently directed the Government to follow the definition of “forest” as laid down in the 1996 judgment in T.N Godavarman Thirumalpad v. Union of India.
Directions of the Supreme Court:
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- Continuation of principles of TN Godavarman judgment: They must continue to be observed until the exercise by State Governments and Union Territories administrations has been completed under rule 16 of Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023.
- Broader meaning of forest: State Governments and UT administrations have to ensure compliance with the ambit of expression “forest” as explained in the decision in TN Godavarman but can include lands which are worthy of protection.
- Other Key directions:
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- Database creation: State/UTs should submit a “consolidated record” of all the lands recorded as ‘forest’ by the expert committees (constituted as per the TN Godavarman judgment) to the Central Government.
- These records are to be maintained and digitised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and made available on the official website by April 2024.
- Safeguard in zoo creation: Prior approval of the court is needed before giving final approval for the establishment of zoos or safari by any government or authority.
- Database creation: State/UTs should submit a “consolidated record” of all the lands recorded as ‘forest’ by the expert committees (constituted as per the TN Godavarman judgment) to the Central Government.