M.C.Mehta vs Union Of India

The Supreme Court ruled that land notified under the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, in Haryana must be treated as 'forest land' and that construction by R. Kant & Co. on such land violates the notification dated 18th August 1992, as well as the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The Court emphasized the need for accountability from the State of Haryana for its conflicting positions and highlighted the severe environmental degradation resulting from unauthorized construction activities. The Court held that the actions of R. Kant & Co. are illegal and detrimental to ecological balance, affirming the need for strict adherence to environmental laws.