theoryofabrogation

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987)

⚖️ Landmark Case: M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987)

📝 Summary:
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India is a series of cases that shaped India’s environmental jurisprudence, affirming that the right to a clean environment is part of the right to life under Article 21.


📚 Background

M.C. Mehta, a pioneering environmental lawyer, filed several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) concerning issues like pollution, environmental degradation, and industrial negligence.

The Oleum Gas Leak case (1985), where toxic gas leaked from a Delhi factory shortly after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, became the catalyst for a major environmental ruling.


🧑‍⚖️ Supreme Court Verdicts

Over the years, the Supreme Court laid down several key doctrines:

  1. Right to a healthy environment = Right to life
    Article 21 was expanded to include the right to clean air, water, and pollution-free surroundings.

  2. Polluter Pays Principle
    Those responsible for pollution must bear the cost of cleaning and compensating victims.

  3. Absolute Liability
    Industries engaged in hazardous activities are strictly liable for any damage, regardless of negligence.

  4. Public Trust Doctrine
    Natural resources are held by the state in trust for the public, and cannot be exploited arbitrarily.


🧠 Significance

  • Established environmental law as a key part of constitutional law.

  • Empowered courts to play an activist role in protecting nature.

  • Led to cleanup drives of rivers, stricter pollution control, and vehicle emission norms.


🧩 Conclusion

The M.C. Mehta cases transformed the judiciary into a guardian of India’s environment, proving that protecting nature is not optional—it’s a fundamental right.

Constitution Landmark Cases

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