The Forest Conservation in India and the Role of Indian Supreme Court: A Critical Analysis.

Abstract

The current process of industrialization, urbanization and globalization are adversely influencing on the natural resources like land, water, forests etc. There is utmost need to conserve and utilize these resources in a sustainable manner since they are the very basic components of human development. In a developing country like India, the thrust for economic development has put more pressure on the natural resources, particularly the forest resources. The present paper deals with the issue of forest conservation in India with special role of the Supreme Court of India. In India the conservation of forest has been ensured through legislative acts, judicial pronouncements and executive orders. It is a fact that there are number of legislative steps taken to ensure forest conservation in India but the contribution of Indian Supreme Court in this context is unparallel. Since last two decades the Supreme Court of India has been performing the stellar role by taking a Herculean task of comprehensive conservation and protection of forest across the country. It has added a new dimension to environmental scenario in a country. With the help of some cases, it has covered almost all aspects related to forest conservation and other related issues like conservation of biodiversity, national parks etc. The Court has emerged as a lawmaker on forest conservation issues. How far it is correct? What would be the consequences if the same trend persists? This is the focal point of the present paper.