A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran ruled that the exemption granted by the central government was legally unsustainable. The court emphasised that all large-scale construction activities, regardless of their nature, must adhere to environmental safeguards outlined in the EIA framework.

The court’s verdict effectively nullifies the Centre’s attempt to streamline approvals for educational infrastructure by bypassing the environmental clearance process. The notification had drawn criticism from environmentalists and civil society groups for potentially undermining ecological protections in the name of development.

The judgment stated that construction projects involving schools, colleges, hostels, and industrial sheds cannot be excluded from mandatory scrutiny and environmental impact assessment procedures, citing the long-term risks such exemptions may pose to urban ecosystems and public health.

Environmental activists have welcomed the ruling, calling it a step towards balancing infrastructure growth with sustainable development goals.

News source: Metro Rail News