Tribal Rights and Forest Rights — Landmark Judgments
Landmark Judgments
T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India
1997This landmark judgment, often referred to as the 'forests case,' significantly expanded the scope of forest conservation in India. The Supreme Court held that the term 'forest'…
Samatha vs State of Andhra Pradesh
1997This judgment dealt with the issue of mining leases granted to non-tribals in Scheduled Areas. The Supreme Court ruled that the transfer of land in Scheduled Areas to non-tribals,…
Orissa Mining Corporation Ltd. vs Ministry of Environment & Forest (Niyamgiri Case)
2013This landmark judgment affirmed the crucial role of Gram Sabhas in decisions affecting their traditional lands and resources, particularly in the context of mining projects. The…
Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd. vs Union of India
2011While not directly an FRA case, this judgment laid down guidelines for environmental clearances, emphasizing the need for a 'sustainable development' approach that balances…
Wildlife First vs Union of India
2019 & 2020This case involved a petition seeking the eviction of all 'illegal encroachers' from forest lands, which led to a Supreme Court order in February 2019 to evict over 11.8 lakh…
Centre for Environmental Law Education and Research (CELER) vs Union of India
2018While not as widely cited as Godavarman, this case reiterated the importance of forest protection and the need for strict compliance with environmental laws. It dealt with issues…
Kailas & Ors. vs State of Maharashtra
2011This case dealt with the issue of tribal land alienation and the interpretation of the Maharashtra Restoration of Lands to Scheduled Tribes Act, 1974. The Supreme Court emphasized…
Rajendra Singh vs State of Rajasthan
2019This case, while not a direct FRA case, involved the rights of traditional forest dwellers in a wildlife sanctuary. The Rajasthan High Court ruled that the state government cannot…