Essar Oil Ltd vs Halar Utkarsh Samiti & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of laying pipelines through the Jamnagar Marine National Park and Sanctuary, interpreting the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Court held that pipelines carrying crude oil cannot be permitted through the Marine National Park and Sanctuary, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to environmental protection laws. The appeals by Essar Oil Ltd. and others were dismissed, upholding the High Court's decision to restrict pipeline laying in the sanctuary.