Bombay High Court Defers SGNP Conservation Contempt Hearing

The Bombay High Court, led by the Hon'ble Chief Justice and Justice Gautam A. Ankhad, continued its oversight of critical environmental litigation concerning the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) on November 10, 2025. The proceedings involve a significant contempt petition alongside a broader Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that addresses the management and preservation of one of the world's few protected forests located within a metropolitan boundary.

Legal Context and Background

The legal dispute traces its roots back to 1995, with a foundational Writ Petition (WP 305 of 1995) aimed at ensuring the ecological integrity of the SGNP. The current contempt petition (L) 9237 of 2023, filed by The Conservation Action Trust , alleges non-compliance with judicial directives aimed at protecting the park's fragile ecosystem. Concurrently, Samyak Janhit Seva Sanstha has brought forth Public Interest Litigation (PIL) 48 of 2023 against the Union of India, highlighting recurring concerns regarding encroachment and policy implementation within the forest jurisdiction.

Current Procedural Status

During the session held on November 10, 2025, the bench heard arguments from various intervenors and legal councils representing both the petitioner organizations and the responding government authorities. Despite the urgency characterizing concerns over the park’s environment, the court opted to stand over the matters for further consideration.

Key Observations

While the latest order remains procedural, it underscores the court’s rigorous commitment to the long-standing monitoring of SGNP conservation efforts. The court’s order was brief and focused on the continuity of the judicial process: > "S. O. to 12/11/2025."

Implications and Next Steps

The decision to defer the matter to November 12, 2025, allows legal teams and government agencies, including the Conservator of Forests and the Union of India, additional timeline to address the outstanding issues raised in the contempt petition.

For environmental advocates and legal observers, this case serves as a high-stakes test of the judiciary's role in enforcing long-term ecological mandates against development pressures in urban forest zones. The upcoming hearing is expected to delve deeper into the procedural compliance of the forest authorities and the implementation of safeguards designed to protect the SGNP from further degradation.

The legal community now awaits the November 12th session, which may provide further clarity on the court's stance regarding the alleged breaches identified by the petitioners.