Madras High Court Backs Key Findings on Segur Elephant Corridor Inquiry

Quick Summary

• Madras high Court Decision: On September 12, 2025, the Madras High Court upheld findings of the Supreme Court’s Segur Plateau Elephant Corridor Inquiry committee (SPECIC), except regarding handing over private properties to the Tamil Nadu government.
• Elephant-Friendly Cultivation: Property owners may retain their land but must ensure eco-friendly cultivation without barriers like electrical or power fences that coudl disturb elephants.
• Land Acquisition Timeline: The court directed phased acquisition by Tamil nadu government within six months from receiving the judgment copy.
• resort Owners’ Concerns: Various resort owners and others challenged SPECIC’s conclusion that land purchases made after a 1991 notification declaring private forests were invalid.
• 1991 Notification Background: A large tract of land in Nilgiris was labeled “private forest,” limiting sale or progress unless approved by a district-level committee. This regulation faced opposition and was inconsistently enforced sence then.
• Related Litigations: The Hospitality association of Mudumalai (HAM) has filed various challenges on related government orders over several years, including pending legal cases regarding land designations.

indian Opinion Analysis

The Madras High Court’s decision reiterates the ecological significance of preserving elephant corridors while balancing property rights. Allowing ownership with eco-friendly cultivation reflects an attempt to safeguard both wildlife and local economic interests. However, court-directed phased acquisitions could lead to administrative complexities given contested histories surrounding land ownership laws since 1991. For india, this ruling underscores growing scrutiny of developmental activities in fragile ecosystems like Nilgiris-a key biodiversity hotspot-and highlights legal frameworks’ role in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. Ensuring compliance with environmental mandates may require robust monitoring mechanisms from local authorities.

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