NEW DELHI, Oct. 5 -- The Supreme Court on Monday refused to halt proceedings in the Calcutta High Court challenging the Rs.92,000 crore Great Nicobar project, allowing the petitions to be heard on 25-26 November in a setback for the Centre.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana declined to interfere with the proceedings, which concern environmental and other statutory issues raised in public interest petitions against the mega infrastructure project.

The apex court noted that the case raises issues of public interest, including tribal rights and cultural identity, and indicated that the high court should examine the environmental concerns surrounding the project.

The C...