The Kerala High Court has quashed a government order allowing a film shoot in a reserved forest area, ruling that ecological integrity must trump commercial pursuits.
The court’s decision came in response to widespread criticism from conservationists, who warned that permitting such activity inside a protected ecosystem could set a dangerous precedent. Citing violations of the Forest Conservation Act and established environmental norms, the court said the approval was legally unsustainable.
“Filming inside ecologically fragile forest zones risks irreversible biodiversity loss and wildlife disruption,” the court noted in its order. It emphasized that diverting forest land for non-forest use without proper legal safeguards is unacceptable.
Environmental groups hailed the judgment as a landmark win for conservation, especially at a time when forests face increasing pressure from developmental and commercial interests.
Legal experts say the ruling strengthens the framework for strict judicial oversight in matters involving protected natural zones. The government is yet to announce if it will challenge the verdict.
