New Delhi, Nov. 21 -- A Supreme Court decision delivered on 18 November by a 2:1 majority to recall its May judgment in the Vanashakti case has revived a long-running clash between environmental safeguards and development priorities. The move marks an unusual reversal within months and has reopened the question of whether India's environmental regime should maintain a strict bar on retrospective approvals or accommodate limited regularisation in the interest of ongoing projects.

Environmentalists warn the recall could weaken the principle of prior scrutiny, while industry groups see it as a practical correction that prevents the shutdown of major public and private works worth over Rs.20,000 crore.

The lone dissent has amplified concern...