Supreme Court reopens fight over retroactive environmental clearances and safeguards for sustainability

Approvals after work begins could set the wrong precedent

The Supreme Court is reviewing whether environmental clearances can be granted retroactively, after projects have already started. The case puts India’s sustainability commitments under scrutiny, warning that allowing approvals post-facto sends a misleading signal. The editorial urges the court to strengthen the precautionary principle, treating prior clearance as a non-negotiable safeguard to deter environmental violations.