GODREJ & BOYCE MFG.CO.LTD. vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA .

The Supreme Court ruled that the issuance of a notice under Section 35(3) of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 is insufficient for declaring land as a 'private forest' under Section 2(f)(iii) of the Maharashtra Private Forests (Acquisition) Act, 1975. The Court emphasized that the term 'issued' should be interpreted broadly rather than literally. Furthermore, the Court held that the State cannot demolish constructions on disputed lands that have existed for over fifty years, affirming the rights of the appellants in this context.