The Supreme Court on Wednesday came down heavily on the Jharkhand Government for failing to notify Saranda forest as a sanctuary, accusing it of being in gross contempt of court. The apex court has summoned the state’s Chief Secretary to personally appear on 8th October 2025, warning that if the notification is not issued by then, the top bureaucrat could be sent to jail.
A bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran expressed displeasure that despite a specific undertaking given to the court on 29th April, the Government had not issued the notification. Saranda, spread over 576 Sq. Km. across East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela, is the only pristine Sal forest patch in the world, and the State had also agreed to declare 136 Sq. Km. as a conservation reserve.
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State Accused of Delaying Tactics
Amicus curiae K Parameshwar detailed how the State failed to place the Wildlife Institute of India’s favourable report before the State Wildlife Board and the cabinet. Instead, the Chief Secretary constituted a fresh committee to re-examine “State interests” including mining, causing further delays. The bench observed that the Government appeared to be “not only dilly-dallying but playing tricks with the court.”
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SC Issued Stern Warning
The court made it clear that non-compliance would invite strict action. “If there is no notification declaring Saranda forest as a sanctuary by 8th October, the Chief Secretary will go to jail, and this court will issue a mandamus to notify the forest,” the bench warned.
Significance for Conservation and Mining
The case holds major implications for both wildlife conservation and mineral-rich Saranda’s mining future. Declaring Saranda a sanctuary would restrict mining activities in the area, a move conservationists have long demanded to protect the fragile ecosystem. The 8th October hearing is now important for the State Government to avoid contempt action and demonstrate compliance with the apex court’s directions.
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