Solid Waste Management — Landmark Judgments

Landmark Judgments

Almitra H. Patel & Anr. vs. Union of India & Ors.

1996

This landmark case, often referred to as the 'Mother of all SWM cases', led to the Supreme Court's directive for the Central Government to formulate a comprehensive national…

Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum vs. Union of India & Ors.

1996

While primarily focused on industrial pollution, this case established the 'Polluter Pays Principle' and the 'Precautionary Principle' as integral parts of environmental law in…

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

1987 onwards

Though a series of cases primarily addressing industrial and municipal discharge into the Ganga, these judgments consistently emphasized the constitutional right to a clean…

National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders on SWM Rules, 2016

Ongoing (e.g., 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024)

The NGT has been highly active in enforcing the SWM Rules, 2016. Numerous orders have been issued to states and ULBs, imposing hefty environmental compensation for non-compliance,…