Environmental law has become an obligatory part of the judiciary exam syllabus, particularly following increased international awareness regarding environmental protection and sustainable development. For judicial service aspirants, it becomes imperative to familiarize oneself with top environmental law cases not only to pass the exam but also to understand the trajectory of environmental jurisprudence in India.
This article enlightens us about must-know benchmark cases in environmental law that often arise in Judiciary exams and why they are important. It also provides advice on how to master environmental law with expert guidance from premier coaching centers such as St. Peter Law Academy, which has a targeted preparation plan and extensive legal advisory services.
Environmental law questions examine the candidate's understanding of constitutional provisions, statutory legislations such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and class judgments interpreting and applying these legislations. Judiciary exams such as PCS(J), Delhi Judicial Services, or other state judiciary exams typically have questions on:
Public interest litigation (PIL) in environmental cases
Application of Article 21 (Right to Life) in environmental protection
Principles such as the Polluter Pays Principle and the Precautionary Principle
Functions and jurisdictions of institutions like the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Pivotal Environmental Law Cases to Understand
Following a gas leakage from the Shriram Foods and Fertilizers plant in Delhi, the court held that industries performing dangerous operations are absolutely liable for the accidents due to such operations. Strict liability, though, had no exception. It was a pioneering decision in Indian environmental law establishing liability of the industry.
The case was pertaining to pollution of the Ganga river by industries' effluents. The court directed the closure of those tanneries and factories that did not install effluent treatment plants. It emphasized the importance of PILs in the realm of environment and underscored Article 21 for the purpose of maintaining a clean environment.
The Supreme Court ordered polluting industries that have harmed the environment of Rajasthan's Bichhri to rehabilitate it at their own cost. The case established the precedent for the Polluter Pays Principle and placed rehabilitation of the environment as one of the major roles of polluting industries.
The Supreme Court recognized Sustainable Development, Precautionary Principle, and Polluter Pays Principle as Indian environmental law. The case dealt with the pollution due to tanneries in Tamil Nadu and directed environmental protection compliance.
The Supreme Court was proactive in protecting forests. The Supreme Court read 'forest' liberally and put brakes on deforestation. The case opened up multiple channels of protection of forests and control of the forest trade.
The Court declared that the right to life embraces the right to pure water and fresh air. The case provided the foundation for subsequent PILs to obtain environmental protection as a constitutional right.
This revolutionary judgment viewed mining leases in scheduled areas to non-tribals as unconstitutional. It saw the interface of conservation of environment, natural resources, and welfare of the tribals.
The Court laid stress on science-based decisions in environmental cases and proposed the establishment of specialized environmental courts. This later resulted in the eventual establishment of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
As environmental law is loaded with legal and constitutional material, the candidates require a strong grip on theory along with landmark cases. Here's how you can improve your preparation:
Recall important facts, legal principles, and ultimate decisions in landmark cases. Attempt to summarize each judgment in bullet points for better recall.
Make sure to have clarity on doctrines such as Polluter Pays, Precautionary Principle, Public Trust Doctrine, and Sustainable Development.
Read bare acts like the Environment Protection Act, Water Act, Air Act, and Forest Conservation Act. Pay particular attention to definitions and penalty clauses.
A well-known coaching institute may assist your preparation through targeted classes, mock tests, and notes. St. Peter Law Academy, for example, is renowned for Judiciary Exam coaching. Their targeted modules on environmental law render tricky judgments and legal provisions an easy thing to study.
Environmental law is not only a subject for judiciary exams but it's an indicator of changing legal consciousness in India. Knowing the landmark cases and principles of law enables you to write better exams as well as understand the importance of the judiciary in environmental governance.
A proper preparation plan, along with the expertise of top institutes such as St. Peter Law Academy, can actually improve your performance. Ensure that you approach environmental law not merely as theory, but as an evolving subject fueled by landmark judgments and modern legal developments.
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