Health & Environment
Supreme Court Refuses to Stay Calcutta High Court Nicobar Project Proceedings
The Hindu1h
THE BRIEF
1
The Supreme Court on October 5, 2026, declined a Union government plea to stay Calcutta High Court proceedings in a petition challenging the Great Nicobar Island Project.
2
A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that preservation of culture is a constitutionally protected fundamental right and urged the High Court to decide the case without delay.
3
Petitioners argue that diverting over 130 square kilometres of tropical forest violates the Forest Rights Act and threatens the Shompen and Nicobarese way of life.