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The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark judgment expanding the scope of Article 21 of the Constitution to explicitly include the right against adverse impacts of climate change. The apex court emphasized that a clean and stable environment is fundamentally tied to the right to life. This progressive ruling empowers citizens to demand stronger environmental accountability and stricter enforcement of climate mitigation policies.
“The Supreme Court ruled that under the Constitution, every Indian has the fundamental right to live safely from the dangers of severe climate change. This means if the government allows too much pollution or destruction of nature that causes global warming, citizens can legally challenge them in court.”
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Constitutional Jurisprudence in India allows courts to dynamically interpret fundamental rights to suit modern challenges. Article 21 guarantees 'Life and Personal Liberty'. Courts argue that 'Life' is not mere animal existence; it includes living with dignity in a healthy environment. Adding climate change explicitly recognizes modern existential threats.
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Through various judicial pronouncements, which of the following rights have been inferred as part of Article 21? 1. Right to a clean environment 2. Right to privacy 3. Right to free legal aid Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The concept of 'Public Trust Doctrine', often invoked by courts in environmental cases, primarily means:
Judicial activism in India has played a pivotal role in environmental jurisprudence. Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court recognizing the right against adverse climate impacts under Article 21.
Connects to GS 2 'Indian Constitution - features, significant provisions and basic structure' (Fundamental Rights). Refer to Laxmikanth's chapter on Fundamental Rights.
Expected interview inquiries focusing on administrative neutrality, policy implications, and practical field limits.
Critical syllabus indicator for upcoming cycles: The Supreme Court ruled that under the Constitution, every Indian has the fundamental right to live safely from the dangers of severe climate change. This means if the government allows too much pollution or destruction of nature that causes global warming, citizens can legally challenge them in court.