Infrastructure project site in India with idle heavy machinery, awaiting further development.
In a significant ruling for environmental governance and project development, India’s Supreme Court has quashed a 2021 Office Memorandum issued by the Centre. This directive had empowered the government and other authorities to grant environmental clearances (ECs) retrospectively.
The Supreme Court’s decision effectively prohibits firms from commencing projects without obtaining prior environmental approval. This ruling is expected to reinforce compliance with environmental regulations and may have implications for projects that were initiated without the necessary prior clearances.
The court clarified that its judgment would apply prospectively, meaning that environmental approvals already granted prior to this ruling will remain undisturbed. This approach aims to balance the need for environmental protection with the stability of existing business operations.
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