The Calcutta High Court has set a date for June 23, 2026, to hear a series of petitions challenging the Great Nicobar Island project, which is valued at ₹92,000 crore (approximately $11.1 billion USD). The court overruled the Indian government's objections regarding the standing of petitioner Meena Gupta, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, who claims that the project violates the Forest Rights Act. Gupta has filed multiple petitions questioning the validity of Gram Sabha resolutions that consented to the diversion of forest land for the project, as well as the constitution of a sub-divisional committee under the same law. The court noted that Gupta has sufficient interest in the case, representing the vulnerable tribal community. The government argued that the project is of 'great national importance' and should not be challenged in public interest litigation, but the court maintained that significant projects must comply with existing laws and are subject to judicial review. The legitimacy of the Gram Sabha's consent has been questioned, particularly regarding the representation of the Nicobarese and Shompen tribes, who argue that their rights have not been adequately addressed. The project has received initial clearance but has faced backlash from local tribal councils, which claim they are under pressure to relinquish their ancestral lands.