⚖️ Supreme Court Declines Centre’s Plea to Stay Great Nicobar Project Proceedings in Calcutta HC
Two significant developments have taken place in the judicial proceedings concerning the Great Nicobar Island Project in recent days:
1. Centre approached the Supreme Court
The Union Government approached the Supreme Court seeking to stay further proceedings in petitions pending before the Calcutta High Court, which challenge aspects of the Great Nicobar Project, including alleged violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The Centre had also questioned the maintainability of the petitions and the petitioner's locus standi.
2. Supreme Court declined to stay the proceedings
On 5 October 2026, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the Calcutta High Court proceedings. A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana noted that the matter was already pending before the High Court and requested that the proceedings be taken up expeditiously.
The principal matter is scheduled for hearing before the Calcutta High Court on 25–26 November 2026, with the Court asking that pleadings in connected matters be completed so that the cases may be heard on those dates.
The Supreme Court has not decided the merits of the allegations concerning the Great Nicobar Project. Those issues remain before the Calcutta High Court.
Case: Union of India v. Meena Gupta & Ors.
Supreme Court Diary No.: 44246/2026
The judicial proceedings therefore continue before the Calcutta High Court.
Read Full :