UPSC Mains 2015 · GS II · Q7 · 12.5 marks · 200 words

Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulations on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex Court in this regard.

हिन्दी में

क्या स्वच्छ पर्यावरण के अधिकार में दीवाली के दौरान पटाखे जलाने के विधिक विनियम भी शामिल हैं? इस पर भारतीय संविधान के अनुच्छेद 21 के, और इस संबंध में शीर्ष न्यायालय के निर्णय/निर्णयों के, प्रकाश में चर्चा कीजिए।

Fundamental RightsJudiciary

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of Articles 14 and 21 to include the "right to be safeguarded from adverse effects of climate change". In this context, citing relevant case laws, discuss the role played by Indian judiciary in 'constitutionalization' of environmental issues.”

Ria Kaur SethiAIR 89 · CSE 2024 · 159 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a restatement

Recently, Supreme Court expanded the scope of Article 21 by including 'right to be safeguarded from adverse effects of climate change'.

Body · points

Constitutionalisation of environmental issues

  1. MC Mehta case → lays down a balance between environmental conservation and developmental activities. → It also asks to form a commission to address the same.

  2. Right against noise pollution → by specifying that the edge of a public place can only have <30db above ambient noise level.

  3. Outlawing firecrackers & putting time limits on their use during Diwali in Delhi.

  4. Niyamgiri case - SC stopped Vedanta from mining & preserved rights of Dongria Kondhs + environment.

Significance of these laws

  1. Judicial acceptance of worsening climate change → Great Indian Bustard case → SC asked to lay wires underground.

  2. Will also create domino effect for change in other spheres.

Close

Article 21 is the most expansively interpreted Fundamental right starting with 'Due Process of Law' in Maneka Gandhi case.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper II, Q7. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.