New Delhi, April 4 -- In a landmark judgement in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad versus Union of India, December 18, 2024, the three Judge bench of the Supreme Court recognised oran lands as 'forests' under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980. The court has directed the state of Rajasthan to carry out a detailed mapping of the sacred groves and to completely adhere to the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee's report of 2005 to classify oran lands as forests which were hitherto not being recognised in official revenue records. The apex court has taken utmost cognizance of these sacred forests that have been traditionally managed by local communities. These sacred forests have a fundamental role in preservation of natural ecos...