Supreme Court declines to stop Calcutta High Court hearing on Great Nicobar project; calls preservation of culture a fundamental right
On 5 October 2026, a Supreme Court bench led by CJI Surya Kant refused to stall Calcutta High Court proceedings on PILs against the Great Nicobar Island project and asked the HC to decide them, including on 25–26 November.
Summary
The Supreme Court on 5 October 2026 declined the Centre’s request to interfere with the Calcutta High Court’s hearing of public interest litigations against the Great Nicobar Island mega project. The bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana asked the High Court to decide the matter expeditiously, including at hearings on 25 and 26 November. The petitions, filed by former Union Environment Secretary Meena Gupta, allege violations of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and threats to the Shompen, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, and the Nicobarese. The bench observed that preservation of culture is a constitutionally protected fundamental right.
Key facts
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Bench
- CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana
- Decision
- Declined to stop Calcutta HC proceedings; HC to decide expeditiously
- HC hearing dates
- 25–26 November 2026
- Petitioner
- Meena Gupta, former Union Environment Secretary
- Law cited
- Forest Rights Act, 2006
- Tribes concerned
- Shompen (PVTG) and Nicobarese
- Observation
- Preservation of culture is a constitutionally protected fundamental right
Practice MCQs 2 questions
In October 2026, the Supreme Court asked which High Court to decide the PILs against the Great Nicobar Island project expeditiously?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Calcutta High Court
The PILs against the Great Nicobar project, heard in October 2026, allege violation of which law protecting the rights of the Shompen and Nicobarese tribes?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Forest Rights Act, 2006