Authority: Supreme Court of India (Civil Appellate Jurisdiction)
Order Date: 24 July 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Appellants – Kanahi Ram Patel & Ors.; Respondents – Union of India & others, including Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (respondent No.4).
- Background: Environmental Clearance (EC) for mining was granted on 11 July 2022. The EC was challenged before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). NGT judgment dated 15 January 2024 allowed the appeal and directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to re‑examine the matter from the stage of “conducting public consultation afresh”.
- The Supreme Court heard senior counsel Dr. S. Muralidhar for the appellants and Dr. A.M. Singhvi and Mr. Atmaram Nadkarni for respondent No.4, and reviewed the record.
- Issues considered: Whether the requirement of “afresh public consultation” is mandatory, and the effect of its non‑completion on the continuation of mining activities.
Final Outcome
- The Court condoned procedural delay and allowed the appeal in part.
- It held that “afresh public consultation” was obligatory but not a bar to the continuation of mining; respondent No.4 may continue mining activities.
- The matter is remitted to the NGT, Central Zone, Bhopal, to monitor that fresh public consultation is carried out and an appropriate order issued thereafter.
- Both parties are directed to appear before the NGT on 03‑08‑2026; the Supreme Court then disposed of the appeal.
Topics: Environmental Clearance, Public Consultation, Mining Regulation