T.N. Godavaraman Thirumulpad vs Union Of India And Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the application by M/s. Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. for clearance to set up an Alumina Refinery, which involves the diversion of 58.943 ha of forest land. The Court emphasized the constitutional requirement of Sustainable Development, balancing development needs against environmental protection, citing A.P. Pollution Control Board v. Proof. M.V. Nayudu, [1999] 2 SCC 718. The Court ultimately held that while development is necessary, it cannot come at the cost of ecological damage, particularly in sensitive areas like Niyamgiri Hills, and thus denied the clearance sought by M/s. VAL.