New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to interfere with a Calcutta High Court order allowing a PIL challenging the alleged violation of Forest Rights Act provisions in obtaining consent for the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project, directing the High Court to proceed with the matter on the dates already fixed.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana noted that the matter was pending before the Calcutta High Court and was scheduled for hearing on November 25 and 26. The court declined to entertain the Union government's challenge and urged the High Court to hear the matter on the scheduled dates.

Attorney General for India R Venkataramani, appearing for the Union government, argued that the issue was of "great national importance" and questioned the maintainability of the PIL. He also pointed out that the environmental clearance granted for the project had already been challenged before the National Green Tribunal and raised concerns about multiple proceedings initiated subsequently.

The Supreme Court's decision allows the PIL proceedings before the Calcutta High Court to continue as scheduled.

The Great Nicobar Island project has been described by the government as a strategic and economic initiative aimed at leveraging the island's proximity to the East-West international shipping route and reducing India's dependence on foreign transshipment ports.

The ambitious project envisages a 14.2 million TEU International Container Transhipment Terminal, a greenfield international airport with a capacity to handle 4,000 peak-hour passengers, a 450 MVA gas-solar power plant and a planned township.

The project has faced sustained criticism from environmental groups and the Congress, which has argued that the proposed transshipment port at Galathea Bay could cause large-scale ecological damage, including the destruction of coral colonies.

Reacting to the Supreme Court's decision, Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh wrote on X, “The Supreme Court has just rejected the Modi Govt’s ploy and plea. This is to be welcomed. Now the matter will be taken up as originally scheduled in the Calcutta High Court on Nov 25-26. The flame of hope for ecological wisdom still flickers.”