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Great Nicobar Project Supreme Court News | Tribal Rights Protected | UPSC Current Affairs 2026In a major development for UPSC 2026, the Supreme Court of India on 5th October 2026 refused to stay proceedings against the Great Nicobar Island Project. The Court said “Preservation of culture is a constitutionally protected fundamental right”. What is the Great Nicobar Project? The Great Nicobar Holistic Development Project is a Rs 72,000-92,000 Crore Mega Infrastructure Project involving an International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT), International Airport, Township and Power Plant. It is strategically located near the Malacca Strait and is of immense national importance. Why is it in News? A PIL filed by former Union Environment Secretary Meena Gupta challenged the project in Calcutta High Court, alleging violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, illegal Gram Sabha consent, forest land diversion, and reduction of buffer zones of Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay National Parks. The project area is home to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) - Shompen (around 300 people) and Nicobarese (around 1200 people).Centre's Stand vs Supreme Court Observation: Centre through Attorney General R. Venkataramani argued the project is of “great national importance” and there is “no loss of habitation” for tribals, and questioned the locus standi of petitioner. A 3-judge bench led by CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, declined the Centre’s plea to stay Calcutta HC proceedings. Justice Bagchi observed tribal culture requires constitutional protection. The bench asked the Calcutta High Court to hear the matter on Nov 25-26, 2026 and complete all pleadings. Why Important for UPSC? GS-2: Tribal Rights, Forest Rights Act 2006, Locus Standi in PIL, Judicial Review GS-3: Environment vs Development, EIA, Protected Areas, Strategic Importance of Great Nicobar Prelims: PVTGs - Shompen, Nicobarese, Campbell Bay National Park, Galathea Bay National Park, Malacca Strait. Vajirao & Reddy Institute brings you daily current affairs simplified from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and ET. 🔔 Subscribe for Daily News In Focus for UPSC 2026 Prelims & Mains. #greatnicobarproject #SupremeCourt #TribalRights #ShompenTribe #ForestRightsAct #UPSC2026 #CurrentAffairs #VajiraoAndReddy3. #GreatNicobarProject #SupremeCourtOfIndia #TribalRights #Shompen #Nicobarese #PVTG #ForestRightsAct #UPSC2026 #UPSCCurrentAffairs #GreatNicobarIsland #EnvironmentVsDevelopment #CJI #CalcuttaHighCourt #TheHindu #PIB #VajiraoAndReddyInstitute #IASPreparation #CurrentAffairsToday