Supreme Court refuses to stay proceedings against Nicobar project

Saying “preservation of culture is a constitutionally protected fundamental right”, the Supreme Court on Monday (October 5, 2026) did not agree with a Union government plea to stay Calcutta High Court proceedings in a petition filed by former Union Environment Secretary Meena Gupta challenging the Great Nicobar Island Project as a threat to the area’s fragile ecosystem and Forest Rights Act, 2006. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Saying that “preservation of culture is a constitutionally protected fundamental right”, the Supreme Court on Monday (October 5, 2026) did not agree with a Union government plea to stay Calcutta High Court proceedings in a petition filed by former Union Environment Secretary Meena Gupta challenging the Great Nicobar Island Project as a threat to the area’s fragile ecosystem and Forest Rights Act, 2006.

A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant instead urged the Calcutta High Court to hear the case and decide the issues without delay.

Appearing for the Centre, Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the project worth over ₹ 72,000 crore involving a container terminal was of “immense” national importance and strategic value.

Mr. Venkataramani said there was “no loss of habitation” for the indigenous tribal population like the endangered Shompen tribe of the Great Nicobar Island.