Open letter to Chief Justice of India: Withdraw unjust remarks made against environmental groups

A group of Indian citizens, environmentalists, legal experts, and civil society organizations has called on the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to retract remarks made during the Pipavav Port hearing on May 11, 2026. The coalition argues the CJI’s statements—including claims that environmental activists only seek to stall development—risk undermining the legitimacy of public-interest litigation and the constitutional right to challenge projects harming ecosystems, livelihoods, and the right to life. The open letter, addressed to the CJI and vetted by senior lawyers, highlights concerns over the expansion of Pipavav Port in Gujarat. It cites the CJI’s remarks as misrepresenting activists’ roles, including allegations that they lack expertise and act in bad faith. The letter warns such statements could discourage citizens from questioning irregularities in environmentally damaging projects. Grassroots activists from Karnataka, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan gathered in Delhi on May 22, 2026, to amplify these concerns and release the letter. Among those addressing the media were Joseph Hoover of the United Conservation Movement, Prafulla Samantara of Lok Shakti Abhiyan, Atul Sati of Joshimath Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, and others representing affected regions. The letter emphasizes that activists, including farmers, fisherfolk, and forest dwellers, rely on legal avenues to challenge projects violating environmental laws. It cites the CJI’s comments as creating ‘doubts on bona fide’ and discouraging legitimate scrutiny of environmental assessments. The coalition insists such remarks must be withdrawn to protect constitutional rights and environmental justice. Over 600 citizens have endorsed the letter, reflecting widespread alarm over the CJI’s statements. The group argues the remarks could set a precedent discouraging future public-interest litigation, particularly in cases involving environmental harm and community rights. The letter was sent to the CJI at the Supreme Court in New Delhi, urging a clarification to prevent misinterpretation of activists’ motives. The coalition’s demand underscores the need to uphold judicial support for environmental protections and citizens’ rights to challenge unlawful projects.