NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for challenging an Office Memorandum issued by the Centre to implement the apex court’s judgment on retrospective environmental clearance.A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that since the Office Memorandum was meant to implement an SC judgment, the challenge was effectively against the judgment itself.“Be ready for exemplary costs. We know the design behind this,” a bench led by CJI Surya Kant said.“Can one challenge a judgment by a writ petition? It is just for media consumption,” the bench added.When the SC warned of exemplary costs, Ramesh withdrew his plea.Last year in May, the top court held that the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere was part of the fundamental right as it struck down the Centre’s Office Memorandum allowing ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances to projects in violation of norms.“The Union government, as much as individual citizens, has a constitutional obligation to protect the environment,” the court said. It added that it “must come down very heavily” on the Centre’s attempt to do “something which is completely prohibited under the law”.It further observed, “Cleverly, the words ex post facto have not been used, but without using those words, there is a provision to effectively grant ex post facto EC. The 2021 OM has been issued in violation of the decisions of this court….”The Centre, as a result, was restrained from issuing directions for grant of ex post facto clearances in any form or manner or for regularising acts done in contravention of the EIA notification.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia Reducing Russian Oil Trade: Trump’s Aide Claims At Key US Hearing, Moscow Calls Out Washington’Decades Of Trust Undone’: US Congress Blasts Trump On India, Quad Ties, Wants Sergio Gor To TestifyDid India Attack Kirana Hills In Pakistan? IAF Vice Chief Clarifies Op Sindoor Terror TargetsTrump Calls India-US Trade Deal ‘Historic’, Says FTA To Increase Coal Exports ‘Dramatically’Lower 18% Tariff To Give ‘Competitive Edge’ To Indian Agri Exports To US: APEDA‘GST After Death?’ Sitharaman Takes Dig at TMC During Budget ReplyRespect One, Call Another Traitor? Sitharaman Exposes Rahul’s Double StandardsBaloch Leader Akhtar Mengal Stuns Pakistan, Says Balochistan’s ‘Separation Is The Only Option Now”Modi Sold Bharat Mata’: Rahul Blasts Centre Over India-US Trade Deal, Govt hits back’India A Priority, No Second Class Citizen’: Jamaat Chief’s Big Statement Before Key Bangladesh Vote123PhotostoriesValentine’s Day 2026: How to make Red Velvet Cake in a pressure cooker7 signs you might be an empath and why it’s not a weakness8 herbs you can grow on a windowsill for cooking and décor10 royal baby names that never go out of styleFrom Ranveer Singh to Randeep Hooda: Bollywood stars who were gifted handwritten letters by Amitabh Bachchan6 Vastu-recommended paintings you should have in your home to attract wealth and prosperityExclusive – Kanika Mann on bagging Naagin 7, playing a negative role and comparisons with Priyanka Chahar Choudhary; says ‘I am open to it’18 must-try coffee drinks from around the world5 real estate hotspots in Surat, Gujarat driving property demand5 fire safety measures every residential building must have123Hot PicksBharat bandh todayGold Silver PricesBangladesh Elections 2026Bharat BandhIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingAll American ShowTravis KelceJuraj SlafkovskyLeBron JamesElvis MerzlikinsMilano CortinaKayla NicoleJulia SimonClash Royale ControversyPuka Nacua
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for challenging an Office Memorandum issued by the Centre to implement the apex court’s judgment on retrospective environmental clearance.A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said that since the Office Memorandum was meant to implement an SC judgment, the challenge was effectively against the judgment itself.“Be ready for exemplary costs. We know the design behind this,” a bench led by CJI Surya Kant said.“Can one challenge a judgment by a writ petition? It is just for media consumption,” the bench added.When the SC warned of exemplary costs, Ramesh withdrew his plea.Last year in May, the top court held that the right to live in a pollution-free atmosphere was part of the fundamental right as it struck down the Centre’s Office Memorandum allowing ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances to projects in violation of norms.“The Union government, as much as individual citizens, has a constitutional obligation to protect the environment,” the court said. It added that it “must come down very heavily” on the Centre’s attempt to do “something which is completely prohibited under the law”.It further observed, “Cleverly, the words ex post facto have not been used, but without using those words, there is a provision to effectively grant ex post facto EC. The 2021 OM has been issued in violation of the decisions of this court….”The Centre, as a result, was restrained from issuing directions for grant of ex post facto clearances in any form or manner or for regularising acts done in contravention of the EIA notification.
