INTRODUCTION
On 14 May 2025, the Supreme Court of India said that environmental laws should be used only for the future, not for the past. The Court cancelled the government’s way of giving environmental clearance after a project already started (ex-post facto clearance). This is a big step to protect the environment in the right legal way.
BACKGROUND
Many companies start their work like building factories or other projects without taking proper environmental clearance. Later, the government gives them approval even after the work is done. This is called ex-post facto clearance. It became a common practice, but many people and environment activists said it was wrong and against the law.
KEY POINTS
- The Supreme Court said ex-post facto clearance is not okay and goes against environment protection rules.
- The Court said environmental clearance should always be taken before starting the project.
- It also said that giving clearance after breaking the law is like supporting the wrong thing.
- This case came after people challenged a government order allowing companies to take permission after starting their work.
- The Court cancelled such permissions and asked the government to follow the right procedure from now on.
RECENT DEVELOPMENT
This judgment is now making government offices and companies rethink how they start projects. Officials must now make sure that no work starts without first checking if it is safe for the environment. Experts are saying this is a good move for India’s environment policy.
CONCLUSION
The Supreme Court’s judgment is important because it shows that the environment cannot be ignored. Rules are made to protect nature and health, so they must be followed from the beginning. Giving permission later is like cleaning up a mess after making it. This judgment gives hope for better and cleaner development in India.
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WRITTEN BY PRIYANKA DESHIKAN.
