In its judgment in the TN Godavarmancase, the Supreme Court had directed that forest lands are to be identified by an expert committee, whose reports have to be in the public domain.
A Bench of Justices BR Gavai and PS Narasimha was informed by counsel for the Central government that no precipitative action would be taken to enforce the new amendments until guidelines governing the same are notified.
The petitioners in the case had sought a stay on the amendments. The matter will next be heard after six weeks.
“Shri Balbir Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General of India, on instructions, makes a statement that there is no intention to dilute the scope of forest as defined in the judgment of this Court in T.N. Godavarman (supra)….He submits that the guidelines are being finalized and would be notified in a short period…he makes a statement that no percepetative actions will be taken by the Union of India until further orders in respect of the forest, as understood in accordance with the dictionary sense,” the order stated.
Source: Barandbench
