Lease of forest land for non-forestry purposes, such as agriculture, is impermissible without prior approval of the Central Government

Supreme Court Nullifies Lease of Forest Land to Cooperative Society for Agriculture Apex Court Orders Restoration of Forest, Reaffirms Prohibition on Non-Forestry Use Without Central Approval

In a landmark decision reinforcing the protection of India's forest resources, the Supreme Court of India has ruled against the lease of forest land for agricultural purposes to the Gandhi Jeevan Collective Farming Co-Operative Society Limited. The judgment delivered on December 18, 2025, invalidated the State of Karnataka's decision to lease 134 acres of forest land to the cooperative society, emphasizing that such actions contravene the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta highlighted that the lease, which allowed deforestation for agricultural activities, was granted in violation of Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This section mandates that any de-reservation or use of forest land for non-forestry purposes requires prior approval from the Central Government. The Supreme Court's decision reinforces the stringent guidelines that prohibit the conversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes, a stance previously established in notable cases such as T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India.

The controversy dates back to 1976 when the State of Karnataka leased the land to the cooperative society. Following the termination of the lease in 1985, the cooperative society pursued legal recourse through various judicial avenues, culminating in the Supreme Court's final decision. The court's order mandates the restoration of the forest land by the Karnataka Forest Department within 12 months, emphasizing the planting of indigenous species to rehabilitate the ecosystem.

This decision not only underscores the judiciary's commitment to environmental conservation but also serves as a reminder of the legal imperatives surrounding forest conservation. The court reiterated that the ecological damage caused by unauthorized activities on forest lands necessitates strict compliance with environmental laws.

The Supreme Court's ruling is expected to have significant implications for forest management policies across the country, reinforcing the necessity for governmental and non-governmental entities to adhere strictly to environmental regulations. The court's directive to restore the forest land aims to mitigate the adverse impacts of deforestation and promote sustainable environmental practices.

Bottom Line:

Lease of forest land for non-forestry purposes, such as agriculture, is impermissible without prior approval of the Central Government. De-reservation or use of forest land for non-forestry purposes is prohibited under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

Statutory provision(s): Forest Conservation Act, 1980

State of Karnataka v. Gandhi Jeevan Collective Farming Co-Operative Society Limited, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2823569