Topic Details (Notes format)

Right to Environment: Judicial Expansions

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Rooted in Article 21’s interpretation that life implies a healthy environment. Case law (MC Mehta series) championed public trust doctrine, polluter pays principle, and precautionary principle. The apex court mandates environmental impact assessments and penalizes industries harming ecology. Directive Principles (Article 48A) and Fundamental Duties (Article 51A(g)) reinforce environmental stewardship. The National Green Tribunal further streamlines dispute resolution. Critics fear judicial activism may hamper development if not balanced with socio-economic needs. However, the overarching consensus is that safeguarding environment is intrinsic to constitutional promises of life quality, requiring sustainable governance approaches that integrate ecology with progress.

Practice Questions

Which of the following is the longest serving Chief Minister in India?

Who has the authority to dissolve the Lok Sabha?

निर्वाचन आयोग के अध्यक्ष का कार्यकाल कितना होता है?

राज्यों के बीच मतभेदों का समाधान किस प्रावधान के तहत किया जाता है?

किस संविधान संशोधन ने राष्ट्रपति के चुनाव में एकल मत प्रणाली अपनाने का प्रावधान किया?

Who was the first woman to become the President of India?

संसद के अध्यक्ष को किस नाम से जाना जाता है?

संसद के अधिवेशन के अंतराल का निर्धारण किसके द्वारा किया जाता है?

In India, the power to declare war and peace is vested in which of the following?

संविधान सभा की बैठकें किस वर्ष प्रारंभ हुई थीं?