Lg, Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Ors vs M/S Bare Foot Inns & Leisure Pvt. Ltd

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the notification dated 30.10.2007 issued under Section 3(1) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulations, 1956, which declared a Buffer Zone around the Jarawa Tribal Reserve and prohibited entry of non-tribal individuals. The Court emphasized the importance of protecting the rights and habitat of aboriginal tribes, affirming that commercial and tourism activities within the Buffer Zone are not permissible until a competent authority decides otherwise. The appeal against the Calcutta High Court's dismissal of the petitioners' challenge to the notification was dismissed, maintaining the status quo regarding the Buffer Zone restrictions.