Case Law
Subject : Environmental Law - Wildlife Protection
New Delhi - The Supreme Court of India has pressed pause on the implementation of a High Court directive ordering the Goa government to notify specific areas as a tiger reserve. In an interim order, a three-judge bench has directed the state to maintain the "status quo as on today" and has referred the contentious issue to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for a detailed examination.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India, Hon'ble Mr. Justice K. Vinod Chandran, and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Atul S. Chandurkar , issued the order while hearing a Special Leave Petition filed by the State of Goa challenging an earlier judgment.
The case originates from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 15/2022) filed before the High Court by the environmental action group, The Goa Foundation. The High Court had ruled in favour of the petitioners, directing the State of Goa to formally declare certain areas within the state as a protected tiger reserve.
The State Government, however, contested this decision, escalating the matter to the Supreme Court. The government's appeal seeks to overturn the High Court's mandatory directive.
Finding it appropriate for an expert body to review the matter, the Supreme Court has tasked the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) with a comprehensive examination. The Court has requested the CEC to submit a detailed report on the issue within six weeks.
"We find that it will be appropriate if the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) examines the issue and submits a report before this Court," the order stated.
The Court has ensured a fair process by mandating that the CEC must provide a hearing to all relevant parties.
"It is needless to state that the CEC will give hearing to all the stake holders, including the State Government and the writ petitioner before the High Court."
Following the submission of the CEC's report, all parties, including the State of Goa and The Goa Foundation, will be granted two weeks to file their official responses.
The Supreme Court's order effectively halts any further steps by the Goa government towards notifying the tiger reserve until the CEC completes its review and the Court hears the matter again. The crucial "status quo" directive ensures that the legal and environmental status of the disputed areas remains unchanged for the time being.
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on November 12, 2025 , when the Court will consider the CEC's findings and the responses from the involved parties to determine the future of the proposed tiger reserve in Goa.
#GoaTigerReserve #EnvironmentalLaw #SupremeCourt
Appeal Limitation in 1991 Police Rules Yields to Uttarakhand Police Act 2007 on Inconsistency: Uttarakhand HC
28 Apr 2026
Nashik Court Reserves Verdict on Khan's TCS Bail Plea
29 Apr 2026
Delhi Court Grants Bail to I-PAC Director in PMLA Case
30 Apr 2026
No Historic Record of Saraswati Temple Demolition, Muslim Body Tells MP High Court in Bhojshala Dispute
30 Apr 2026
No Absolute Bar on Simultaneous Parole/Furlough for Co-Accused Under Delhi Prisons Rules: Delhi High Court
30 Apr 2026
Rejection of Jurisdiction Plea under Section 16 Arbitration Act Not Challengeable under Section 34 Till Final Award: Supreme Court
30 Apr 2026
'Living Separately' Under Section 13B HMA Means Cessation Of Marital Obligations, Regardless Of Residence: Patna High Court
30 Apr 2026
Belated Challenge by Non-Bidders to GeM Tender Conditions for School Sports Equipment Not Maintainable: Delhi High Court
30 Apr 2026
Interim Bail Extended Till May 25 or Judgment Delivery in Rape Conviction Appeal: Rajasthan High Court
01 May 2026
Login now and unlock free premium legal research
Login to SupremeToday AI and access free legal analysis, AI highlights, and smart tools.
Login
now!
India’s Legal research and Law Firm App, Download now!
Copyright © 2023 Vikas Info Solution Pvt Ltd. All Rights Reserved.