Supreme Court’s Ruling on Retrospective Environmental Clearance

On 16th May 2025, the Supreme Court of India, in a significant verdict, restrained the Central government from issuing any notification, circular, orders, etc. that could allow the retrospective grant of environmental clearance to development projects that could pollute the environment.

The ruling came in response to a petition by environmental group Vanashakti, which challenged the legality of granting post-facto environmental approvals.

Background on Centre’s Notification and Standard Operating Procedure

  • In 2017, MoEFCC allowed a one-time, six-month window for industries to apply for environmental clearance after starting operations or expanding without approval.
  • This “ex-post facto” clearance ....
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