ABOUT SUDIEP SHRIVASTAVA

Sudiep Shrivastava is a lawyer

Based in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, who has spent much of his life
raising questions that most people avoid — about how natural resources are managed, how
policies are made, and who they really benefit.

He started out as a journalist, which explains his habit of digging deep and not taking things at
face value. That journey eventually led him to law — not just as a profession, but as a way to
push back, to protect what matters, and to hold power to account.

He’s also the author of *Chunavo ka Manovigyan*, a book that looks at how and why we vote
the way we do — less about party politics, more about human behaviour.

In 2024, Sudiep stood for the Lok Sabha elections. It wasn’t about joining politics for the long
run — it was about bringing his legal and civic concerns into a space where policies are made.
His work, though, continues to focus on the legal front — challenging what needs to be
challenged.

Vision for Change

Sudiep is driven to foster legislative and policy reforms from within the political framework, advocating for an accountable, transparent, and environmentally sustainable governance system.

Sudiep Shrivastava stands as a steadfast advocate for the community, committed to using his extensive legal expertise to champion the rights of the people and the environment.

Works That Made a Difference

Challenging Coal Block Allocations

In a case that changed the course of India’s mining policy, Sudiep was one of the petitioners whose efforts led to the cancellation of over 200 coal block allocations in 2014. The Supreme Court verdict called out the arbitrariness in how these resources were handed out. This later led to a new law: the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.

Fighting for Hasdeo Arand

Hasdeo Arand is one of the last stretches of dense forest in central India. It’s also been under threat from mining for years. Sudiep has filed multiple cases opposing approvals that he believes violate environmental norms and forest rights. His work here isn’t just legal — it’s deeply personal.

Keeping the System Honest

Over the years, he has filed RTIs, taken up PILs, and pursued cases that deal with misuse of power — especially in the areas of land, forest, and mining. Whether it's challenging a flawed clearance or exposing a gap in the system, Sudiep’s focus has always been on long-term impact, not headlines.

Things He Works On

Environmental law

Forest rights and tribal concerns

Transparency in mining and resource use

PILs and governance-related litigation

Legal research and policy analysis

Writing and Public Thinking

Sudiep writes occasionally and speaks at forums when invited. His book, *Chunavo ka Manovigyan*, reflects his interest in how people think — especially in the context of politics and
public life.

Columns

Publications

Noteworthy Achievements

Advocate for Public Accountability

Through his work, Sudiep consistently addresses issues related to environmental law breaches and political corruption, aiming to bring transparency and justice to the management of public resources.

Pivotal Legal Contributions

A defining moment in Sudiep’s career occurred with his significant role in the 2014 Supreme Court decision that labeled the coal block allocation process since 1993 as arbitrary and unlawful. This crucial ruling prompted the introduction of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act of 2015, which brought about a more transparent system for allocating coal blocks and enhanced the regulatory framework overseeing these operations.

Advocate for Environmental Integrity

Sudiep has been particularly vigorous in the environmental sector, especially in challenging the approvals for mining operations in the vital biodiversity region of Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest. His legal endeavors underline his dedication to safeguarding natural environments against industrial exploitation.

Philosophy and Insights

Sudiep remains critical of the ongoing issues in coal block allocations under various government administrations, highlighting persistent practices of corruption and nepotism in partnerships between public-sector undertakings and private firms.

Reach Out

To know more or get in touch, you can visit: