In Re : T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union Of India And Ors.

The Supreme Court addressed the institutionalisation of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, emphasizing the need for a permanent body to monitor compliance with environmental orders. The Court approved a notification from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, establishing the CEC as a permanent entity tasked with ensuring effective implementation of environmental laws and recommendations. The judgment underscores the evolution of the CEC's role in environmental governance over the past two decades, highlighting the necessity for reform and active oversight.