As per the case facts, several appeals and writ petitions challenged orders concerning whether land covered by special orders issued under Section 4 of the PLPA should be considered 'forest ... land' under the 1980 Forest Act. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had previously stopped non-forest activities on such lands, considering them forests. Appellants argued against this classification, leading to the matter reaching the Supreme Court. The question arose whether land designated under Section 4 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, by the Haryana Government, qualifies as 'forest land' according to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Finally, the Supreme Court clarified that lands notified under Section 4 of the PLPA are indeed 'forest lands' as defined by the 1980 Forest Act, with some specific exceptions. The Court underscored the importance of environmental protection, stating that interpretations of land preservation laws must support sustainable development. It directed authorities to identify and act against illegal non-forest activities on these lands, while also ensuring that affected individuals receive an opportunity to be heard before any measures are taken. The Court reiterated that any activities detrimental to ecological balance or leading to deforestation are strictly prohibited on these designated lands.