Tree Cutting Permission Must Follow Godavarman Forest Definition: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court held that permission to cut trees must comply with the expansive definition of “forest” laid down in the Godavarman judgment, even if the land is not officially notified as forest land. The Court reiterated that ecological protection cannot be diluted by technical classifications and that functional forest characteristics are decisive. Any diversion or felling activity must therefore receive approval under forest conservation norms. The ruling strengthens environmental jurisprudence by reaffirming the supremacy of conservation principles over administrative classifications.