SC AFFIRMS FORESTS AS NATIONAL ASSET, VITAL FOR FINANCIAL WEALTH.
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court declares forests as national assets, emphasising their financial value and protective role amid controversies over forest legislation.
Highlights of the Judgment :
- The Supreme Court declares forests in India as a national asset and a significant contributor to the country’s financial wealth.
- Bench led by Justice M.M. Sundresh emphasises the crucial role of forests, stating “it is the spirit of the forest that moves the earth.”
- Comes amidst controversy over the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act of 2023, criticised for facilitating encroachments and commercial exploitation of forests.
- Court orders a probe against forest officials for conflicting affidavits in a case involving the allocation of forest land to a private entity.
source:slideserve
About Forest Conservation Act, 1980:
Concerns and Recent Amendment:
Recent Amendment (Forest Conservation Amendment Act, 2023):
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