Goan Real Estate & Constrn.Ld.& Anr vs Union Of India Tr.Sec.Min.Of Env.& Ors

The Supreme Court, in the case of Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action vs. Union of India, held that the amendments made to the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification dated August 16, 1994, which reduced the 'No Development Zone' from 100 meters to 50 meters, were illegal. The Court found that the Central Government's power to relax restrictions on development was unbridled and could lead to abuse, thereby violating environmental guidelines. Consequently, the amendments were declared invalid, reaffirming the importance of ecological protection under Article 21 of the Constitution.