Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 24-08-2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: Hasdeo Aranya Bachaao Sangharsh Samiti & Ors.
  • Respondents: Union of India & Ors.
  • SLP No.26331/2026 arising from impugned final judgment and order dated 21-04-2026 in WA No.313/2026 of the High Court of Chhattisgarh, Bilaspur.
  • Coram: Hon’ble Chief Justice, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Justice V. Mohana.
  • Counsel for petitioners: Mr. C.U. Singh (Sr. Adv.), Mr. Vikram Aditya Narayan (AOR), Mr. Archit Krishna, Ms. Shalini Gera, Ms. Bidya Mohanty, Mr. Abhishek Kalaiyarasan, Ms. Katyayini Suhrud, Mr. Ronak Chhabra.
  • Counsel for respondents: Mr. A.S. Nadkarni (Sr. Adv.), Mr. Kartik Seth, Ms. Shilpa Saini, Ms. Ratakshi Sarvaria, Mr. K.M. Abish, Chambers of Kartik Seth (AOR).

Order Details

1. Issue notice to determine: (i) existence of any community forest rights; (ii) existence of any individual forest rights; and (iii) if such rights exist, whether adequate compensation or other remedial measures have been taken. Notice to be returned by 28-09-2026. Digitally signed by Arjun Bisht (Signature Not Verified) on 25-08-2026 17:45:31 IST.

2. Mr. Kartik Seth, learned counsel, accepts the notice on behalf of respondent No.5.

3. Liberty is granted to serve the other respondents through dasti notice.

4. The Court clarified that the pendency of these proceedings shall not be construed as an impediment to the ongoing mining activities.

Final Outcome

  • The Court directed a factual inquiry into community and individual forest rights with a submission deadline of 28‑09‑2026, while affirming that mining operations may continue unabated; respondent No.5 accepted the notice and other respondents will be served by dasti notice.

Topics: Forest Rights, Mining Activities, Environmental Litigation