Indian Polity & Governance·Landmark Judgments

Sustainable Development — Landmark Judgments

Updated 9 Mar 2026

Landmark Judgments

Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India

1996

This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India firmly established the 'Polluter Pays Principle' and the 'Precautionary Principle' as integral parts of environmental law in…

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

1987

This series of cases led to significant directives from the Supreme Court to control pollution in the Ganga River. The court issued orders against municipalities and industries to…