Challenge to SHANTI Act: Dispute between national interest versus hypothetical loss says SC

NEW DELHI: (Feb 27) The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a plea challenging several provisions of the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, 2025, saying the main dispute raised is between an actual, visible and tangible national interest versus an unfortunate hypothetical loss.

A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi termed the matter as "extremely sensitive issue" requiring detailed hearing and asked the petitioners to submit comparative regulatory mechanisms of other countries, when the matter will be heard post Holi vacation.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for a group of petitioners including professors, scientists led by former bureaucrat EAS Sarma, submitted that the Act of 2025, violates fundamental rights under Article 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.