Kerala High Court Bans Filming of Commercial Content in Forests, Protected Areas

Quick Summary:

• Kerala High Court has ruled that a 2013 Government Order (GO) permitting commercial movie and TV serial shootings in forest areas, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and tiger reserves does not have legal validity.
• The court emphasized that the GO lacks statutory backing or a clear policy framework.
• State government’s reliance on the GO and film shooting fees collected under it was deemed without sufficient legislative support.
• The court underscored the importance of adhering to environmental governance principles in deciding permissions for such activities.
• Directed the government to issue appropriate instructions to Forest department officials within four weeks.
• The judgment came in response to a petition filed by Angels Nair, general secretary of Animal Legal Force Integration, Ernakulam.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Kerala High Court’s decision reinforces India’s commitment to preserving environmental integrity within protected habitats like forests and wildlife sanctuaries. While filmmaking contributes culturally and economically, this ruling highlights the critical need for legally sound frameworks ensuring ecological sustainability. The absence of clear policies risks encroaching upon areas meant exclusively for conservation. India faces a growing challenge to balance growth with biodiversity protection; this verdict could prompt other states to reassess similar practices in their forest management procedures. Ultimately,safeguarding environmental assets aligns with long-term national interests in combating climate change while ensuring compliance with established principles of governance.

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