Supreme Court Extends ‘Public Trust Doctrine’ to Artificial Lakes
On 9th October 2025, in a landmark judgment reinforcing India's environmental jurisprudence, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the "doctrine of public trust" applies not only to natural water bodies but also to man-made lakes and reservoirs.
About the Case
- The appellant, a registered environmental association, filed a Public Interest Litigation before the Bombay High Court seeking demolition of several recreational structures constructed around Futala Lake, a historic waterbody in Nagpur (Maharashtra).
Key Observations by SC
Man-made Water Body
- The Court held that Futala Lake is a man-made waterbody and does not qualify as a wetland under the Wetlands ....
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