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2 clusters · 9 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Great Nicobar Island project legal disputes

Overview

The Great Nicobar Island infrastructure project has become the subject of legal disputes regarding environmental impact and the rights of indigenous communities. Opposition leaders have accused the Indian government of “bulldozing” the project, alleging that forest-related approvals are flawed and impact assessment reports are of “dubious value.”

The central government sought to approach the Supreme Court to stay proceedings currently pending in the Calcutta High Court, where five petitions challenge the project on grounds including violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The government argued the project holds “immense national importance and strategic value.”

On October 5, 2026, the Supreme Court declined the government’s plea to stay the proceedings. A three-judge bench directed the Calcutta High Court to proceed with the hearings without delay. The pending litigation includes concerns regarding the protection of the endangered Shompen tribe and the preservation of indigenous culture as a constitutionally protected right.

Entities

Great Nicobar Island · Calcutta High Court · Supreme Court of India · Surya Kant · Jairam Ramesh

Timeline

  1. [POLITICS] 5 sources
    Supreme Court refuses to stay Great Nicobar project legal challenges

    The Supreme Court of India refused to stay Calcutta High Court proceedings challenging the Great Nicobar Island project, emphasizing that the preservation of indigenous culture is a constitutional right.

  2. [POLITICS] 4 sources
    Great Nicobar Island Project: Congress slams Centre's Supreme Court plea

    Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticized the Indian government for seeking a Supreme Court stay on Calcutta High Court proceedings regarding the Rs 92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island project.

Sources

deccanchronicle.com · desitalkchicago.com · kalingatv.com · nationalheraldindia.com · newsable.asianetnews.com · sentinelassam.com · southasiaviews.com · thefederal.com · timesnownews.com