Supreme Court Declines to Interfere in Jharkhand Stone Mining Case, Stresses Protection of Forests

June 18, 2026 :The Supreme Court on Thursday underscored the importance of protecting forests and natural ecosystems across the country, observing that states such as Jharkhand are endowed with rich natural resources that must be preserved for future generations.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant made the observations while hearing a petition filed by the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board challenging an order of the Jharkhand High Court concerning stone mining and stone crusher operations near forest areas.

During the hearing, the apex court noted concerns over the abrupt reduction of distance norms governing mining and crushing activities in the vicinity of forests. The Bench observed that the issue was already under active consideration before the Jharkhand High Court and emphasized that High Courts hold a significant constitutional position in the judicial framework.

Declining to interfere with the ongoing proceedings, the Supreme Court allowed the petitioner to withdraw the plea and left the matter to be examined by the High Court.

The dispute relates to environmental safeguards imposed by the Jharkhand High Court, which had earlier restricted stone mining and stone crusher operations within specified distances from forest boundaries. The restrictions were aimed at preventing ecological degradation and protecting forest ecosystems from the adverse impacts of mining-related activities.

The Supreme Court’s observations reaffirm the judiciary’s continuing focus on environmental protection and the need to balance economic activities with the conservation of forests and natural resources.