Supreme Court Stresses Forest Protection, Declines to Interfere in Jharkhand Mining Distance Case

The Supreme Court on Thursday (June 18, 2026) emphasised the need to protect forests across India, particularly in states with rich natural ecosystems such as Jharkhand. The observation came from a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana while hearing a plea by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB).

The Court noted that some states harbour natural paradises like forests that require preservation. “There are few States where we can really protect our natural ecosystem and you (Jharkhand) are one of them,” the Chief Justice told the counsel for JSPCB.

The case arose from a challenge to an April order of the Jharkhand High Court. In January, the High Court had directed that no consent be granted for stone mining or stone crushers within one kilometre from the demarcated boundaries of protected forests. However, in April, the High Court modified this, restricting mining within 500 metres and crushers within 400 metres of forest boundaries. The JSPCB had earlier reduced the minimum distance from 400-500 metres to 250 metres, which was challenged.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court observed that the authority had abruptly reduced the distance. The counsel for JSPCB argued that the High Court’s order had stalled all activities. The Bench declined to intervene, stating that the High Court was already seized of the matter and should pass a final order. “We cannot demoralise our high courts. We are not headmasters to advise the high courts what to do and what not to do. The high courts are constitutional courts,” the Bench said.

After the Court expressed disinclination to interfere, the petitioner’s counsel sought to withdraw the plea. The Bench permitted the withdrawal and clarified that the petitioner could raise all issues before the High Court.