In the case of M. C. Mehta v. Union of India and others (1986), the Supreme Court of India delivered a significant judgment that marked a milestone in Indian environmental law and jurisprudence. Here’s a brief overview of this landmark case:
Background:
The case involved public interest litigation (PIL) filed by environmental activist M. C. Mehta regarding the alarming levels of pollution in the Ganga river, particularly due to industrial and sewage discharges. The petition highlighted the failure of authorities to implement environmental laws and protect the river’s ecosystem.
Key Legal Issues:
- Environmental Protection: The primary issue before the Supreme Court was the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations to safeguard the Ganga river from pollution, which posed severe threats to public health and ecological balance.
- Role of Judiciary: The case examined the judiciary’s role in addressing environmental degradation through PILs, emphasizing the court’s power to protect fundamental rights to clean environment under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
Court’s Decision:
The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment:
- Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights: Emphasized the interplay between Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and fundamental rights, particularly the right to life under Article 21, which includes the right to a clean environment.
- Polluter Pays Principle: Introduced and upheld the “polluter pays” principle, holding that industries and entities responsible for environmental degradation must bear the costs of remediation and compensation.
- Judicial Activism: Demonstrated proactive judicial intervention in environmental matters, directing stringent measures and timelines for pollution control, waste management, and restoration of the Ganga river.
Significance:
- Environmental Jurisprudence: The M. C. Mehta case set a precedent for judicial activism in environmental protection, establishing the Supreme Court as a key actor in enforcing environmental laws and holding governments and industries accountable for environmental harm.
- Legal Precedent: It laid the groundwork for subsequent environmental litigation and policy developments in India, influencing laws such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.
Legacy:
- The judgment in M. C. Mehta v. Union of India remains a seminal decision in Indian environmental law, illustrating the judiciary’s pivotal role in environmental governance and sustainable development.
This case continues to shape discussions on environmental justice, sustainable practices, and the balance between economic development and environmental conservation in India.