New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Thursday underscored the importance of conserving forests across the country, observing that states such as Jharkhand possess valuable natural ecosystems that require special protection.

The remarks were made by a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana while hearing a petition filed by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB).

During the proceedings, the Chief Justice noted that certain states continue to retain rich natural landscapes and ecological diversity, making their conservation a priority.

“Some states still have natural ecosystems that deserve strong protection, and Jharkhand is one of them,” the bench observed.

The matter before the court related to a challenge against directions issued by the Jharkhand High Court concerning the establishment of stone mining units and stone crushers near forest areas.

Earlier this year, the high court had directed that permissions should not be granted for stone mining or stone crushing activities within one kilometre of protected forest boundaries in the state. The order was issued while hearing a petition questioning a notification of the JSPCB that reduced the minimum permissible distance between such activities and forest land from 400–500 metres to 250 metres.

Subsequently, in April, the high court modified its directions, stating that stone mining activities should not be allowed within 500 metres of forest boundaries, while stone crushers must maintain a minimum distance of 400 metres.

While hearing the case, the Supreme Court noted that the reduction in distance norms appeared to have been introduced abruptly.

Counsel appearing for the pollution control board argued that development activities had come to a standstill because of the restrictions. However, the apex court pointed out that the issue was already pending before the high court and listed there for final adjudication.

“Let the High Court decide the matter finally,” the bench said.

When the petitioner’s counsel referred to certain observations made by the high court, the Supreme Court firmly defended the autonomy of constitutional courts.

“We cannot demoralise our High Courts. We are not headmasters who can advise them on what to do or not do. High Courts are constitutional courts in their own right,” the bench remarked.

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Seeing the court’s reluctance to interfere at this stage, the JSPCB sought permission to withdraw its petition. The Supreme Court allowed the withdrawal and clarified that all contentions could be raised before the Jharkhand High Court during the ongoing proceedings.