UNION OF INDIA AND ORS. vs KAMATH HOLIDAY RESORTS PVT. LTD.

The Supreme Court held that the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 applies to Union Territories, requiring prior approval from the Central Government for any non-forest use of reserved forest land as mandated by Section 2. The Court rejected the High Court's interpretation that the Act did not apply to Union Territories, affirming that the Conservator of Forests' objections were valid and necessary procedures must be followed. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, upholding the Conservator's authority to halt activities on the leased land.