UPSC Mains 2022 · GS II · Q1 · 10 marks · 150 words

“The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

हिन्दी में

“भारत में आधुनिक कानून की सर्वाधिक महत्त्वपूर्ण उपलब्धि सर्वोच्च न्यायालय द्वारा पर्यावरणीय समस्याओं का संविधानीकरण है ।” सुसंगत वाद विधियों की सहायता से इस कथन की विवेचना कीजिए ।

JudiciaryFundamental Rights

How a topper answered it

Shivam SinghCSE 2024 · 130 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Over the years, Supreme Court has interpreted various environmental issues from the lens of constitutional rights; this has led to safeguarding of the natural assets and also awareness among the many.

Body · points

(1) SC in Dehradun Quarrying case identified 'Right to healthy environment' as integral part of [Article 21] Right to life.

(2) SC in Subhash Kumar case - Right to wholesome environment is a fundamental right under Article 21.

(3) SC has used [Judicial Activism] to direct in creation of National Ambient Air Quality Mg. Authority.

Diagram
- Benefit of constitutionalization of environmental issues by SC - protection of tribal rights Eg. Samatha judgement - conservation of forest areas. Eg. Niyamgiri judgement - Raising awareness among the masses for environment protection

Close · a way forward

giving liberty to environmental activists in raising the issues concerning the protection of environment.

[Way forward] Even though the dynamic nature of Indian constitution allows the hon'ble SC in interpreting it for environmental concerns. But- judicial prudence must be followed to avoid judicial overreach.

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

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper II, Q1. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.