Overview

• A bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai with Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria dismissed Swachh Association’s appeal from the Bombay High Court.
• The Court found Futala Lake to be a man-made waterbody excluded by Rule 2(1)(g) of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017.
• Maharashtra may proceed with sanctioned temporary works, including a floating restaurant, banquet hall, musical fountain, and a viewing gallery.
• Permanent structures remain barred, with the Court stressing strict environmental safeguards under the public trust doctrine and Article 21.
• The ruling lifts the January 2024 status quo order after noting prior approvals from 2019 and 2022 and Heritage Committee clearance.