Constitutional Provisions — Environmental Cases
Environmental Cases
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak Case)
1986This case was pivotal in establishing the principle of 'absolute liability' for enterprises engaged in hazardous activities. The Supreme Court held that such enterprises are…
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution Case)
1987This was one of the earliest cases where the Supreme Court directly intervened to prevent river pollution. The Court issued directions to close polluting tanneries in Kanpur that…
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Taj Trapezium Case)
1996This case dealt with the protection of the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution caused by industries in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). The Supreme Court ordered the closure or…
Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India
1996This landmark judgment formally incorporated the 'Precautionary Principle' and 'Polluter Pays Principle' into Indian environmental law as essential features of 'sustainable…
Indian Council for Env-Legal Action v. Union of India (Bichhri Village Case)
1996This case involved severe environmental degradation caused by hazardous chemical industries in Bichhri village, Rajasthan. The Supreme Court reiterated the 'Polluter Pays…
T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India
1997 onwardsThis is an ongoing series of judgments that has profoundly shaped forest conservation in India. The Supreme Court expanded the definition of 'forest' to include any area recorded…
Narmada Bachao Andolan v. Union of India
2000This case involved the construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river, raising complex issues of large-scale development, environmental impact, and displacement of…
A.P. Pollution Control Board v. M.V. Nayudu
1999This case further elaborated on the 'Precautionary Principle' and introduced the 'Public Trust Doctrine' into Indian environmental jurisprudence. The Court held that the State, as…
M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India
2021In this significant ruling concerning the protection of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, the Supreme Court recognized the 'right against the adverse effects of…