Brigade Enterprises challenges EC revocation for Chennai project, citing legal unsustainability.

Brigade Enterprises Limited has strongly objected to the revocation of the Environmental Clearance (EC) for its residential project 'Brigade Morgan Heights' in Perumbakkam Village, Chennai. The company stated that the revocation by the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) is legally unsustainable, factually incorrect, and arbitrary.

Brigade highlighted that the project site consists of private patta lands, classified as dry lands since 1935, and has been in continuous possession of landowners since 1985. The company entered into a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) in 2022 and had issued public notices at the time of the JDA and EC application, receiving no objections. Furthermore, a press release from the Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department on October 28, 2025, had clarified that the lands were private patta lands and approvals were given accordingly, with final wetland boundaries remaining undecided. The project site has not been declared as a wetland under the applicable rules.

Adding to their argument, Brigade referenced a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) dismissed by the Hon'ble Madras High Court on February 10, 2026. During the PIL hearing, which involved SEIAA and other government authorities, no submissions were made to suggest the lands were wetlands or that approvals should be cancelled. The court concluded that until ground truthing in the Ramsar process is completed, the project lands could not be conclusively designated as wetlands.

The company also pointed out that the reason for cancellation cited a generic condition in ECs requiring permission from the Wetland Authority "if applicable." Brigade argues this condition is not applicable in their case, as the lands are private patta lands and have not been conclusively declared as wetlands by any authority.

The SEIAA convened a meeting on May 8, 2026, to discuss the cancellation and issued the order on May 12, 2026. Brigade stated they were not given prior notice, personal hearing, technical discussion, site verification, or an opportunity to submit evidence. The revocation of a valid clearance after substantial investment, ongoing construction, and creation of third-party rights, without a fair hearing, is considered procedurally improper and a violation of natural justice principles.

Brigade noted that this issue impacts other projects and private landowners in the vicinity, as the proposed Ramsar site and its Zone of Influence cover a large area in South Chennai. This situation affects the general public, property owners, developers, and the development of the entire South Chennai region. The company is appealing the order and exploring all available legal and regulatory remedies.