Soil Pollution — Environmental Cases
Environmental Cases
Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996)
1996This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India introduced the 'Polluter Pays Principle' and the 'Precautionary Principle' into Indian environmental jurisprudence. The case…
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case) (1987)
1987While primarily focused on water pollution in the Ganga River, this case had significant implications for soil pollution as well. The Supreme Court ordered various industries,…
Oleum Gas Leak Case (M.C. Mehta v. Union of India) (1986)
1986This case, following the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, led to the evolution of the principle of 'Absolute Liability' for hazardous industries. The Supreme Court held that an enterprise…
Sterlite Copper Smelter Plant Case (Vedanta Ltd. v. State of Tamil Nadu) (2013, 2018, 2020)
2013, 2018, 2020The Sterlite Copper smelter plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, faced multiple legal challenges and public protests due to alleged severe air and water pollution, which also led to…
Almitra H. Patel v. Union of India (1998)
1998This Supreme Court case dealt with the critical issue of municipal solid waste management in India. The Court highlighted the severe environmental and health hazards posed by…
Goa Foundation v. Union of India (2012)
2012This case before the Supreme Court focused on illegal mining activities and their devastating environmental consequences, including severe soil degradation, deforestation, and…
Samarth Trust v. Union of India (2016) (NGT)
2016The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in this case issued significant directions regarding the management of electronic waste (e-waste) in India. Recognizing e-waste as a growing…
Paryavaran Suraksha Samiti v. Union of India (2017) (NGT)
2017In this significant NGT ruling, the Tribunal issued comprehensive directions for the treatment of sewage and industrial effluents across India. It mandated that all local bodies…