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In Re: T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India

Not available · 2024 INSC 997Decided 18 Dec 2024
Not available

Background

This order arises within the decades-long T.N. Godavarman forest-conservation proceedings, this time focused on "Orans", community-protected sacred groves, in Rajasthan. An application (I.A. No. 41723 of 2022) sought directions to protect these traditional forest patches, which communities have preserved for generations for cultural and spiritual reasons but which lack formal legal recognition as forest land. The Court examined the ecological, cultural and legal significance of sacred groves and heard submissions from the Amicus Curiae and the State of Rajasthan on how to record, protect and govern them.

Decision Breakdown

The Supreme Court directed authorities to identify, survey and record all sacred groves (Orans) in Rajasthan and elsewhere, treating them on a par with other protected forest categories so they cannot be diverted for non-forest use. It asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to frame a nationwide policy for governing and surveying sacred groves, respecting existing community management structures such as village panchayats. The Court also urged financial and technical support for community-led conservation and gender-inclusive models, and directed compliance reports from the Centre and Rajasthan government, listing the matter for further monitoring on 10.01.2025.

Lesson Learnt

Community-protected sacred groves are recognised as part of India's forest and environmental heritage entitled to legal protection, even without formal notification: a reminder that customary conservation practices can carry real legal weight in court.

Official source (sci.gov.in)View Judgment (PDF)

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