An interim order, not a final decision on the validity of the 2023 amendment.
Case note
- Material facts
- Petitions challenge the constitutional validity of the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, arguing that Section 1A narrows the land covered compared with the 1996 dictionary-meaning test.
- Issue
- What position should apply while the challenge and the States' identification exercise under Rule 16 are pending.
- What was decided
- The Court clarified that, pending completion of the identification exercise and these proceedings, the principles in T.N. Godavarman (1996) must continue to be observed; States and Union Territories must ensure compliance with the meaning of 'forest' explained there.
- Order / relief actually given
- The Union Ministry was directed to issue a circular to States and Union Territories to act in accordance with the directions.
- Later proceedings
- Final decision on validity not checked; proceedings pending at last check.