NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court (SC) has confirmed that the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) will remain the primary authorities responsible for granting environmental clearances at the project level.
This ruling addresses a long-standing regulatory standstill affecting over 493 real estate projects in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Pune, which could impact more than 70,000 housing units, especially in the affordable and mid-income categories. The court’s decision is expected to clarify the environment clearance process, potentially revitalizing housing development in the area.
The SC also invalidated sections of the notifications from 2014 and 2016—specifically Clause 14(a) and Appendix 16—which aimed to establish an Environmental Cell under local authorities. The bench determined that this provision could lead to confusion and overlapping jurisdictions. Furthermore, the court dismissed any suggestions for differentiated regulatory treatments for industrial sheds and educational facilities under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, emphasizing the need for consistent environmental regulations.
Domnic Romell, president of CREDAI-MCHI, remarked, “We filed this petition to clarify an increasingly complex and vague environmental clearance process, and we are grateful that the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the roles of SEIAA and SEAC as the relevant authorities.”
Case No.: W.P.(C) No.-000166-000166 – 2025, Vanashakti vs Union of India.
