Top Legal Developments [9-15 Feb, 2026] | Key SC & HC Rulings; New guidelines for designation of Senior Advocates; 36 Private Members Bills; and more
A quick roundup to cover all the important legal developments and cases this week.
Environmental Protection
Bombay High Court orders strict enforcement of nylon manja ban; grants Compensation of Rs 2 lakh to injured victims
“Merely prosecuting petty vendors or users does not discharge the State’s obligation, and what was conspicuously absent was any serious attempt to dismantle the illegal supply chain.”
Yamuna Flood Plains can’t be encroached under pretext of Graveyard or any other purpose; Delhi High Court issues restoration directions
In the flood plains, people cannot be allowed to make their houses, tenements, sheds, etc., under the pretext of graveyard or for any other purpose.
Cases Reported in HCC | Latest High Court Cases on Environment Law
Explore latest Cases reported in SCC’s High Court Cases (HCC) on environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate action. A holistic view of evolving ecological jurisprudence.
Modern Maritime Governance takes shape under Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 marks a pivotal shift in India’s maritime governance, replacing the decades-old 1958 framework with a modern, globally aligned legal structure that champions safety, sustainability, and the growth of the blue economy.
Development versus Environment Protection | Rajasthan High Court mandates to plant ‘10 trees for every one fell’ for development & beautification project
“A Master Plan is a policy document for guiding the future development of the cities or towns in a planned manner which cannot be modified or revised… at the whims and fancies of the authority concerned… It should be implemented in larger public interest.”
NGT orders for periodic monitoring of illegal sand mining activities and environmental violations in MP’s Tamia
The National Green Tribunal emphasised on the necessity for appropriate action, including prosecution and environmental compensation, in case of violations.
SC disapproves NGT’s frequent ex-parte orders; says ‘a beacon of environmental protection must balance between justice and due process’
“The Tribunal must tread carefully to avoid the oversight of propriety, the practice of ex-parte orders and the imposition of damages amounting to crores of rupees.”
SCOTUS| Environmental Protection Agency does not have the authority under Clean Air Act to devise emission caps based on the generation shifting approach
Supreme Court of The United States (SCOTUS): In a decision that is being touted as a setback in the fight against climate
Doctrine of ‘duty to consult’ indigenous people not applicable to legislative action, amounts to trespass on the legislature’s domain
Supreme Court of Canada: A Nine-Judge Bench comprising of Wagner C.J., and Abella, Moldaver, Karakatsanis, Gascon, Côté, Brown, Rowe and Martin, JJ.