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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