The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to pass any interim direction against the proposed thermal power plant by the Adani Group in Uttar Pradesh, citing the need to consider the responses of the Centre and the state government before proceeding further.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said, “The state may be power deficit. We can’t pass orders like this. We need to strike a balance between environmental concerns and development.”
The matter came up on a plea filed by an environmental activist, represented by senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, who flagged ecological risks associated with the power plant’s location. He submitted that the proposed plant is surrounded by forests and may pose a threat to sloth bears and other wild species.
Parikh also contended that the Adani Group had secured environmental clearance for the project despite the pendency of petitions before both the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
“They are building a huge power plant over there, and (it) may affect the environment and the wildlife,” he told the bench.
Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked that such concerns were frequently raised in different contexts—whether over forests, rivers, or development—but cautioned against blanket opposition to projects that are part of developmental planning.
“The difficulty is that sometimes concerns are raised for power plants, sometimes for forests and sometimes for rivers, but developmental projects cannot be stalled like this,” CJI Kant said.
The bench questioned whether such projects could proceed with “proper safeguards,” and acknowledged the need for a strong enforcement mechanism backed by scientific assessments.
“We are not doubting what you are saying. But can it be permitted with proper safeguards?” the CJI asked Parikh.
The Court directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, to file a detailed response outlining how the government intends to strike a balance between ecological concerns and the developmental necessity of the project.
The Uttar Pradesh government and the Adani Group have also been permitted to submit their replies in the matter.
The Court did not fix a next date of hearing but indicated that it would proceed after receiving the necessary responses.
