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

The Supreme Court considered the scope of protection and use of fragmented land parcels and encroachments in forest areas, particularly in relation to the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The Court examined whether small land parcels and certain encroachments could be used for public and village purposes without declaring them as protected forests. The Court directed modifications to previous orders to facilitate the use of such lands for specified purposes, balancing environmental concerns with local needs.