Environment Law Semester
Environment Law Semester
Environment Law Semester
SUBMITTED BY:
Submitted to Dr. Ghulam Yazdani, Associate Professor (Faculty of Law, Jamia Millia
Islamia, New Delhi)
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Law school is a journey, complete with hurdles, medals, pain, and appreciation.
I am fortunate to be a law student in Jamia Millia Islamia, where the faculty
members are hardworking, highly skilled, and most importantly, very helpful. I
am glad to have Dr. Ghulam Yazdani sir, taking Environment Law as a subject
in my third year of this journey, as he is not only hardworking and talented but
also highly dedicated to teaching us students the many concepts of the said
subject.
The concepts might be easy or difficult to understand, but either way, sir makes
it highly interesting and tries to engage the whole class in the discussions.
I would therefore firstly like to thank sir for his constant dedication and help. He
does not think twice before helping us and clearing our queries, and makes us
intrigued towards the concepts by using various case laws to explain.
I would also thank my family and friends for being constant supporters and for
cheering me on whenever I felt low, and for making readily available, the material
required to study well and do assignments properly.
Also, I would like to thank Faculty of Law, JMI for this wide, comprehensive
syllabus, which will benefit us in our legal career heavily.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION
This area of law outlines the legal rights and obligations of individuals,
organizations, and governments in relation to the environment. It aims to promote
sustainable development and safeguard the health and well-being of both humans
and ecosystems. This law can be enforced through various mechanisms, including
administrative agencies, civil litigation, and criminal prosecution.
Our rapidly expanding society faces a slew of political, social, economic, cultural,
and environmental issues. Every such obstacle or complication is tied to our
habits, customs, and patterns of residence in some way. Such habitual behaviours
clearly have an impact on the ecosystem, either directly or indirectly. As a result,
detailed monthly check-ups on this blanket of protection that has allowed
mankind survive since time immemorial become obligatory. These policies have
developed strategies and plans to address the specific issue for which they were
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created. Certain underlying problems and gaps, however, remained to be
addressed in order to develop a comprehensive environmental management plan.
The NEP recognizes that development and environmental protection are not
mutually exclusive, and that economic growth must be balanced with
environmental sustainability. The policy emphasizes the principles of precaution,
polluter pays, and sustainable development as the guiding principles for
environmental management.3
One of the primary objectives of the NEP is to ensure the conservation and
protection of natural resources, such as land, water, air, and biodiversity.4 To
achieve this, the policy proposes a range of measures for environmental
management, including the integration of environmental concerns into all
developmental activities, the establishment of environmental standards and
regulations, and the promotion of environmental education and awareness.5
The NEP also emphasizes the need for public participation in environmental
decision-making processes, recognizing that local communities and stakeholders
play a vital role in environmental management.6 The policy also encourages the
participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society in
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Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, National Environment Policy (2006), available at
https://www.moef.gov.in/sites/default/files/National%20Environment%20Policy.pdf.
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id
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id
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id
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id
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id
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environmental protection and conservation efforts.7 The NEP serves as a guiding
document for the formulation of environmental laws, regulations, and programs
at the national, state, and local levels.8 The policy has been instrumental in
shaping environmental policy in India, and has led to the development of several
key environmental laws, such as the Wildlife Protection Act, the Forest
Conservation Act, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.9
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Id
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id
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See, e.g., Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Forest Conservation Act, 1980; Water (Prevention and Control of
Pollution) Act, 1974.
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Another policy goal is to integrate economic and social development with
environmental considerations. This entails incorporating environmental
considerations into socioeconomic progress plans, programmes, projects, and
policies. The strategy also emphasises the optimal use of natural resources in
order to avoid negative environmental impacts. It promotes effective
environmental governance, which entails controlling and regulating the use of
environmental resources in accordance with good governance principles. The
strategy also aims to increase resources for environmental protection by
collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities,
government agencies, investors, researchers, and academic institutions, to ensure
greater resource flows.
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and use of natural resources, have further devastated the environment. Climate
change, ozone depletion, and biodiversity loss are all global environmental issues
that provide additional challenges. Multilateral programmes and strategies
designed to address such global concerns may have a negative influence on poor
countries' development potential.
OTHER OBJECTIVES
The National Environment Policy arose from the idea that only advancements
that value ecological constraints and the essence of justice are viable. In order to
enforce Environmental Law in a more stringent manner, the concept of ‘Polluter
Pays’ was introduced.
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Polluter Pays Principle
In recent years, the Polluter Pays Principle has become a popular catchphrase. “If
you make a mess, it is your responsibility to clean it up” is the motto of this
principle. It should be noted that the 'polluter pays principle' in environmental law
does not refer to "fault." Instead, it favours a therapeutic strategy focused on
restoring environmental damage. It is a principle in international environmental
law that states that the polluter pays for the harm done to the natural environment.
The idea is based on Plato’s saying “If anyone intentionally spoils the water of
another, let him not only pay damages, but purify the stream or cistern which
contains the water...” The 'polluter pays principle' was first applied and
established in India in the 1996 case of Indian Council of Enviro-Legal Action v.
Union of India. In this case, Justice Dalveer Bhandari decided that rectifying the
ecological imbalance is a necessary aspect of the industrial process. As a result,
the financial duty for taking pollution prevention and control measures should fall
on the industry that generated the pollution. The financial cost cannot be passed
to the government, either in preventing or fixing the ding. Following the court's
dismissal of the writ petition, review petition, and curative petition, other
interlocutory and interim applications were filed in this matter. pronouncements.
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution underlines every Indian inhabitant's
fundamental right. Article 21 mentions the fundamental right to life and personal
liberty. Polluting a community's surroundings, to put it simply, violates the
inhabitant's fundamental right. Because pollution is an unavoidable by-product of
industrialization, community participation in environmental conservation is
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everyone's responsibility. As a result, the right to community participation in
environmental protection is deemed to arise from Article 21 of the Indian
Constitution.
It is based on the premise that a party who violates any pre-existing legal
responsibility imposed on it must pay or compensate for the resulting harm.
In the case of MC Mehta v Union of India, the rule of absolute liability arose in
India. This is one of the most important decisions concerning the concept of
absolute liability.
According to the circumstances of the case, some oleum gas from industrial
escaped in a certain location of Delhi. Many people were harmed as a result of
the breach. The Apex Court then based the concept of absolute liability on the
rule of strict liability, stating that the defendant would be accountable for the
damage committed without regard for the strict liability exceptions.
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It establishes legal obligation to compensate the victim for any loss caused by the
other party's failings, which may or may not constitute negligence.
It can be claimed that if a person takes on his land and keeps something harmful,
and that thing is likely to cause some damage if it escapes, then that person will
be held accountable for the damage created. Even though he was not negligent in
retaining the substance on his premises, the person whose property such
substance escaped will be held liable. He is liable not because of any negligence
on his side, but because the substance held on his premises is harmful and
dangerous. In Rylands v Fletcher, F had a mill on his land and built a reservoir
on his land to power the mill. The water from the reservoir swamped R's coal
mines due to an accident. R then filed a lawsuit against F. The Court ruled that
the defendant built the reservoir at his own risk, and that if an accident occurs,
the defendant would be held accountable for the disaster and material escape. The
concept of strict liability arose as a result of this judicial decision.
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3. The increased emphasis of developing and developed countries on
economic growth has exacerbated environmental deterioration due to the
unrestrained exploitation of natural resources to achieve their goals and the
growing population's needs. Unsustainable consumption practises
exacerbate the deterioration of both local and global life.
4. Government policy failures that offer incentives for indiscriminate and
excessive use of natural resources, combined with institutional failures
involving insufficiently enforced rights to and use of natural resources,
have further devastated the environment.
5. Another difficulty is the emergence of global environmental issues such as
climate change, ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, and so on. Multilateral
programmes and strategies designed to address such global concerns may
have a negative influence on poor countries' development potential.
There are several strategies to prevent damage caused to the environment, some
of which include:
1. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: This strategy promotes the three Rs, which
involve reducing the consumption of resources, reusing items where
possible, and recycling materials that cannot be reused. This can
significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and help
conserve natural resources.
2. Sustainable Development: This strategy promotes development that meets
the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. It involves using resources in a way
that ensures they are not depleted and protecting ecosystems for the benefit
of future generations.
3. Environmental Education: This strategy aims to raise awareness and
understanding of environmental issues and promote sustainable behaviour.
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It includes educating people about the environmental impact of their
actions and encouraging them to make choices that are more
environmentally friendly.
4. Pollution Prevention: This strategy involves taking steps to prevent
pollution at the source, rather than just treating the symptoms. This can be
achieved using cleaner technologies, better management practices, and
regulatory measures.
5. Conservation: This strategy involves protecting and preserving natural
resources, including wildlife, forests, and waterways. It involves managing
these resources in a way that balances the needs of humans and the
environment, ensuring that they are not depleted or damaged beyond repair.
6. Green Technology: This strategy involves the use of technology that is
more environmentally friendly, such as renewable energy sources, energy-
efficient appliances, and electric vehicles. It aims to reduce the use of fossil
fuels and other non-renewable resources, which can help mitigate climate
change and reduce pollution.
Overall, these strategies can help prevent damage to the environment and promote
sustainable development, which is crucial for the well-being of current and future
generations.
V. JUDICIAL PRONOUNCEMENTS
1. Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd. v. Rohit Prajapati & Ors.10
Facts: The case was filed by Rohit Prajapati and other environmental activists,
challenging the Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to Alembic
Pharmaceuticals Ltd. by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) for
expansion of its pharmaceutical unit in the industrial area of Vadodara, Gujarat.
The petitioners contended that the expansion would cause environmental
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(2013) 10 SCC 259
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degradation and adversely affect the health of the residents. They also alleged
non-compliance with the provisions of the National Environment Policy, 2006.
Judgment: The Supreme Court held that the grant of EC by GPCB to Alembic
Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was in violation of the National Environment Policy, 2006
and the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. The Court
noted that the EC was granted without proper environmental impact assessment
and public consultation, and that the GPCB failed to consider the cumulative
impact of the existing and proposed industries in the area. The Court directed the
GPCB to reconsider the EC after conducting a fresh EIA and public consultation.
Judgment: The Supreme Court directed the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and
Kerala to constitute expert committees to review the status of forests and
recommend measures for their protection. The Court also directed the states to
act against encroachment and illegal logging in forest areas, and to ensure
compliance with the National Forest Policy, 1988 and the National Biodiversity
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(2012) 3 SCC 277
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Act, 2002. The Court held that the protection of forests was essential for
maintaining ecological balance and the well-being of the people.
Facts: The case was filed by the Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action,
challenging the construction of a thermal power plant by Hindustan Zinc Ltd. in
Udaipur, Rajasthan. The petitioner alleged that the construction of the power plant
was in violation of the National Environment Policy, 2006, the Forest
Conservation Act, 1980, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Judgment: The Supreme Court held that the construction of the power plant was
in violation of the National Environment Policy, 2006, the Forest Conservation
Act, 1980, and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Court noted that the project
was in an ecologically sensitive area and required environmental clearance and
forest clearance. The Court directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests to
constitute an expert committee to assess the environmental impact of the project
and submit a report.
Facts: This case was related to the pollution of the river Ganga. The petitioner
had filed a writ petition seeking to control the pollution of the river, which was
caused by the discharge of untreated industrial effluents and sewage. The
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(2011) 8 SCC 161
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(Writ Petition No. 463 of 1986)
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petitioner had also sought the implementation of the National River Conservation
Plan, which had been framed to protect and conserve the rivers in the country.
Aftermath: The judgement led to the formulation of the Ganga Action Plan, which
was aimed at controlling the pollution of the river Ganga. The plan included the
establishment of sewage treatment plants and the closure of polluting industries.
The case also highlighted the need for the implementation of the National River
Conservation Plan to protect and conserve the rivers in India.
Facts: This case was related to the pollution caused by tanneries in Vellore, Tamil
Nadu. The petitioner had filed a writ petition seeking to control the pollution
caused by tanneries, which were discharging untreated effluents into the river.
The petitioner had also sought the implementation of the National Environment
Policy, 1992, which had been framed to protect and conserve the environment in
the country.
Judgement: The Supreme Court of India, in its judgement dated 29 January 1996,
directed all tanneries to install effluent treatment plants to treat the effluents
generated by them. The court also ordered the closure of tanneries that failed to
comply with the directions. The judgement also directed the state pollution
control boards to monitor the discharge of effluents from the tanneries and take
appropriate action against the defaulters.
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(Writ Petition No. 13029 of 1985)
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Aftermath: The aftermath of the Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India
& Ors. case was significant in terms of strengthening environmental protection
laws in India. The Supreme Court's decision in this case led to the creation of the
National Green Tribunal (NGT) under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,
which serves as a specialized court for environmental disputes.
The NGT was established to provide effective and expeditious disposal of cases
related to environmental protection, conservation of forests and other natural
resources, and the enforcement of legal rights relating to the environment. It has
the power to hear and dispose of cases related to environmental damage and to
provide compensation for any loss or damage caused to the environment.
The establishment of the NGT was a major step towards ensuring that the
National Environment Policy, 2006, was implemented effectively and efficiently.
The NGT has the authority to enforce the provisions of the policy and ensure that
environmental laws are enforced, and violators are held accountable for their
actions.
CONCLUSION
The policy incorporates various principles, including the polluter pays principle
and absolute liability, which have been instrumental in holding polluters
accountable and promoting sustainable development. The polluter pays principle
ensures that those who cause environmental damage bear the costs of
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remediation, while absolute liability holds those engaged in hazardous activities
strictly liable for any harm caused to the environment or human health, regardless
of fault or negligence. NEP, 2006 has also been reinforced through judicial
interventions, which have led to the development of several landmark judgments,
including the Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum case and the MC Mehta cases.
These judgments have established the importance of the polluter pays principle
and absolute liability and have helped in bringing about significant changes in
environmental governance and regulation in India. However, despite the policy's
successes, much remains to be done to address the environmental challenges
faced by India. The policy's implementation has been slow, and the country
continues to struggle with issues such as air and water pollution, deforestation,
and climate change. There is a need for more effective enforcement of
environmental regulations, better monitoring of environmental quality, and
greater public participation in environmental decision-making.
In conclusion, the National Environment Policy, 2006, along with the principles
of polluter pays and absolute liability, have provided a strong foundation for
addressing environmental challenges in India. However, there is a need for
sustained efforts to ensure effective implementation of the policy and to address
the emerging environmental challenges facing the country.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Primary Sources:
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2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. Available at:
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/15064?view_type=searc
h&sam_handle=123456789/1362. (Last accessed on May 8, 2023)
3. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Available at:
https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1363/1/Air%20%28Pr
evention%20and%20Control%20of%20Pollution%29%20Act%2C%201
981.pdf. (Last accessed on May 8, 2023).
Secondary Sources:
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4. Jayalakshmi, M. (2014). India's Environmental Laws: Challenges and
Opportunities. Economic & Political Weekly, 49(20), 56-62.
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