India's Forests and the Judiciary-The Godavarman Story

The Godavarman Case since 1995, the Centre for Environment Law –WWF-India case also instituted in 1995 and the Navin Raheja case since 1998, ongoing before the Apex Court with over few thousand applications of intervention from various stakeholders are the three most prominent examples of judicial activism in the sphere of forests and wildlife. It is important to study and analyze the impact of these judicial pronouncements and interventions on forestry practices and wildlife management as judicial precedents often set the tone for policy and law making within both the State and National context. It is important at this juncture to have a brief look at these three landmark cases and their status as till now. It may throw light on the future course of intervention and also serve as a ready reckoner for persons interested in forest and wildlife laws in India. [WWF].