I consider this a seminal judgment for various reasons.

Firstly, the Supreme Court was given a tough task here, to decide which worthwhile cause should be given priority over the other: promotion, and more importantly, distribution, of solar power, or the protection of two species of birds critically endangered.

The Supreme Court walked that tightrope and pronounced a nuanced judgment, deciding that the formation of an expert committee, with a given remit, would perhaps be the best decision, rather than laying down any hard and fast rules.

True, the formation of an ‘expert committee’ does indeed toss the ball into the court of that committee, but what is heartening is that the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of these issues and ruled upon them!

This in itself will make the task of those concerned with nature and conservation easier, giving their fight both exposure and gravitas, bearing the imprimatur of the highest court in the land.

The judgment is extremely important in that it gives considerable attention and due recognition to the issues of climate change, sustainable development, and the conservation of endangered birdlife and, by extension, wildlife.

A judgment to gladden the hearts of all naturalists, conservationists and wildlife activists.

The Devil, as ever, is— and will be— in the implementation of these well-intentioned measures outlined by the Supreme Court. Let us hope that in this, the implementation matches the intentions.