Natural Resource Management — Key Judgments

Key Judgments

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case)

1987

This landmark case established the principle of 'absolute liability' for industries engaged in hazardous activities, holding them liable for all harm caused, irrespective of…

Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India

1996

This case dealt with severe pollution caused by tanneries in Tamil Nadu. The Supreme Court reiterated the 'polluter pays' principle and the 'precautionary principle' as essential…

T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India

1996

Often referred to as the 'Forests Case', this judgment significantly broadened the definition of 'forest' to include any area recorded as forest in government records,…

Samatha v. State of Andhra Pradesh

1997

This judgment dealt with the issue of mining leases granted to non-tribals in Scheduled Areas. The Supreme Court ruled that the transfer of land in Scheduled Areas to non-tribals…