Supreme Court mandates urgent compliance on forest conservation, healthcare policy, and climate action, stressing state accountability and sustainable governance.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (5 MARCH 2025)
SUPREME COURT DIRECTS STATES/UTS TO FORM EXPERT COMMITTEES FOR IDENTIFYING FOREST AREAS
Case Name: Ashok Kumar Sharma, Indian Forest Service (Retd.) & Ors. vs. Union of India & Anr.
If states or UTs do not form expert panels to identify forest areas within a month, the Supreme Court is considering taking severe action. It placed a strong emphasis on the accountability of chief secretaries and administrators by requiring adherence to Rule 16(1) of the Van Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Rules 2023 within six months.
Legal Provision
- Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Rules, 2023: Rule 16(1): Requires states/UTs to consolidate records of forest-like areas.
- Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (Amended 2023): Governs forest land diversion and conservation.
- TN Godavarman Thirumalpad vs. Union of India (1996): defined “forest” and mandated protection.
Source: Supreme Court of India
SUPREME COURT CRITICIZES STATES FOR FAILURE TO DEVELOP PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE
Case Name: Siddharth Dalmia & Anr. vs. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 337/2018
The Supreme Court criticized the States for not having proper health infrastructure. The Apex Court highlighted the lacunae in the department. The Court also mentioned the role of private institutions in the healthcare field; due to the incapabilities of the state to provide the same, private institutions are flourishing. Recently, while hearing the case before the Supreme Court, the Apex Court criticized the state for not having proper health care infrastructure in states and even highlighted how lacunae provided private institutions with an opportunity to flourish in the healthcare sector. The Court asked if a strict regulation on private hospitals might discourage investment within healthcare, as it also noted states’ liabilities under Article 21 and Directive Principles. The states were advised to formulate adequate policies.
Legal Provision
- Article 21 of the Constitution also guarantees the right to health as a fundamental right.
- Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV): State’s duty to ensure public health infrastructure.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Regulates unfair trade practices in healthcare.
Source: Supreme Court of India
SUPREME COURT FLAGS INSTITUTIONAL GAPS IN INDIA’S CLIMATE POLICIES
Case Name: Ridhima Pandey vs. Union of India,
The Supreme Court underscored enhanced coordination of ministries while highlighting institutional shortcomings in Indian climate policies. It called for revisiting environmental regulations to make them climate-centric. Referring to the urgency of taking concerted climate action and enforcing regulations, the Court asked eight key ministries to submit responses.
Legal Provision
- Environment Protection Act, 1986: Governs pollution control and environmental safeguards.
- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Regulates air quality management.
- Paris Agreement, 2015: India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
Source: Supreme Court of India
Also Read: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (4 MARCH 2025)
