Interpretation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and ‘Deemed Forest’ Concept in Urban Development Projects
The Supreme Court of India delivered an important judgment on 20 March 2026 in the case of Naveen Solanki vs Rail Land Development Authority, dealing with the interpretation of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the concept of deemed forest in urban development. The Bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih dismissed the appeal and upheld the National Green Tribunal’s order, allowing development on railway land in Delhi.…