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.

Question

Accepted Answer

A. 1 only — Statement 1 is correct as the Forest (Conservation) Act strictly mandates Central Government approval for non-forest use. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Supreme Court clarified that prolonged possession does not legitimize illegal diversion of forest land, and equity cannot override statutory environmental law.

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