THE KERALA STATE STATE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY vs THE STATE OF KERALA MARADU MUNICIPALITY AND ORS. ITS SECRETARY

The Supreme Court emphasized the binding duty of local self-Governments to consult the appellant authority before issuing building permits in Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) as mandated by the Environment Protection Act, 1986 and the precedent set in Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India. The Court held that construction activities in CRZ areas must adhere to the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) to prevent environmental degradation, and the High Court's decision to allow permits despite violations was overturned. The Court directed the revocation of building permits issued in contravention of CRZ notifications and relevant statutory provisions.