SC Restricts Non-Forest Use of Forest Land
Why focus: GS3 Environment — SC judgment on Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. Tests non-forest diversion exemptions via multi-statement trap options.
In News
What Happened
Why It Matters
Background
History & Context
What Changed
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BEFORE: The High Court order left room for regularizing prolonged unauthorized agricultural use of forest land by seeking retrospective Central Government approval. NOW: The Supreme Court barred the continuation or regularization of such leases, stating that post-facto representations cannot legitimize the illegal diversion of forest land.
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BEFORE: Encroachers sometimes leveraged long-standing possession or past administrative errors to maintain control over forest areas through equitable claims. NOW: The Court ruled that prolonged possession does not validate illegal diversion, reinforcing the strict embargo under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Prelims Angle
NCERT Connection
Practice Questions
Q1
Correct Statement(s)Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the use of forest land for any non-forest purpose, including agriculture, requires the prior approval of the Central Government. 2. The Supreme Court has ruled that long-standing continuous possession of forest land by a private entity automatically qualifies for regularization under equitable considerations.