Supreme Court’s Judgment on Orans
In the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India case (December 2024), the Supreme Court recognized the cultural, ecological, and socio-economic importance of orans (sacred forests) in Rajasthan and issued orders for their protection and conservation.
The judgment aims to formalize governance of orans, integrating them into biodiversity laws and encouraging community-led protection.
Problems with Formalization
Formalizing orans under the Forest (Conservation) Act could lead to exemptions, such as land diversion for ecotourism, which may harm conservation efforts and disrupt community access.
Declaring orans as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife (Protection) Act may limit local community control, as the state ultimately holds authority.
Some communities managing orans through informal institutions may not qualify for rights under the Forest Rights Act.
Better Approach for Conservation
Instead of formalizing orans, the Court suggests formulating a comprehensive policy to manage them, empowering successful informal governance models.
The policy should encourage community leadership, with state and civil society support, rather than replacing traditional management with centralized governance.
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