Supreme Court refuses to entertain Jairam Ramesh's plea on retrospective environmental clearances

Supreme Court dismisses Jairam Ramesh's plea on retrospective environmental clearances, questioning its maintainability and permitting withdrawal.

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday (February 12, 2026) refused to entertain a petition filed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh concerning retrospective environmental clearances to projects.

A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned how can the petitioner seek a review of its earlier verdict by way of a writ petition.

"Please tell us how the writ is maintainable. We know the design behind these kind of writ petitions. There was a judgement. That has been set aside by a larger bench in review. Now, you are indirectly filing a review petition," the CJI told the counsel appearing for Mr. Ramesh.

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"Be ready for exemplary cost," the CJI said.

As the Bench showed its disinclination in entertain the petition, the counsel sought permission to withdraw it.