T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India
Supreme Court of India(1997) 2 SCC 267Laid down the "forest" principle — the word "forest" in the Forest Conservation Act must be understood in its dictionary sense, not merely officially notified forests. Gave landmark directions on forest conservation, felling, and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund. This ongoing PIL has generated over 600 orders and transformed Indian forest law.