MEV 017: Unit 02 – Constitutional Provisions

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 UNIT 2: CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

2.1 Introduction

India’s Constitution, though originally silent on environmental matters, has evolved to become a strong legal foundation for environmental protection. Over time, through amendments, judicial interpretations, and citizen initiatives, the Indian Constitution has embedded several provisions that support the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. This unit explores the constitutional mandates, rights, duties, and legislative structures that shape India’s environmental governance framework.

2.2 Objectives

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Understand how the Indian Constitution addresses environmental concerns.
  • Identify key Fundamental Rights linked to environmental protection.
  • Recognize the constitutional duties of both citizens and the State regarding the environment.
  • Explain the division of legislative powers between the Centre and the States on environmental issues.

2.3 Preamble

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution reflects the values and objectives of the nation, including:

  • Justice—social, economic, and political,
  • Liberty of thought and expression,
  • Equality of status and opportunity,
  • Fraternity ensuring the dignity of the individual.

Though not legally enforceable, the Preamble underlines justice and dignity, which are essential to a healthy and sustainable environment. It acts as a guiding principle for interpreting environmental rights under the Constitution.

2.4 Division of Legislative Powers in Environmental Matters

The Constitution provides a threefold distribution of legislative subjects in the Seventh Schedule:

  • Union List (List I): Subjects like atomic energy, regulation of oilfields, and inter-state rivers.
  • State List (List II): Subjects such as water, agriculture, public health, and sanitation.
  • Concurrent List (List III): Subjects where both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate—includes forests, protection of wild animals and birds, and environmental pollution.

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) transferred forests and wildlife from the State List to the Concurrent List, allowing the central government to enact comprehensive environmental laws like the Environment Protection Act (1986).

2.5 Fundamental Rights

Part III of the Constitution guarantees Fundamental Rights to all citizens. Though no explicit 'right to environment' was originally mentioned, courts have interpreted various rights to include environmental protection.

2.6 Right to Live in a Healthy Environment

Article 21: "No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law."

  • This has been interpreted broadly by the Supreme Court to include the right to a clean, safe, and pollution-free environment.
  • In cases like Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the court affirmed that the right to life includes the right to enjoy pollution-free water and air.

Thus, Article 21 forms the cornerstone of environmental jurisprudence in India.

2.7 Right to Livelihood and Environment

Environmental degradation directly affects livelihoods—especially of farmers, fishermen, tribal communities, and forest dwellers.

  • The courts have held that loss of livelihood due to environmental destruction is a violation of Article 21.
  • For example, in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, the relocation of polluting industries was upheld to protect both public health and workers’ rights to livelihood.

2.8 Right to Know and Environment

Article 19(1)(a) guarantees the freedom of speech and expression, which includes the right to know about activities affecting the environment.

  • Citizens have the right to be informed about environmental hazards, projects, and policies.
  • This is essential for public participation in decision-making and for demanding accountability.

The Right to Information Act (2005) further strengthens this right in the environmental context.

2.9 Right to Equality and Environment

Article 14 ensures equality before the law and equal protection of laws.

  • Environmental policies and laws must be applied fairly and uniformly.
  • Discriminatory actions such as allowing pollution in poorer areas while protecting affluent zones violate this right.

This principle ensures that environmental justice is not skewed in favor of any group or region.

2.10 Freedom of Speech and Expression and Environment

Environmental activists and citizens rely on freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(1)(a)) to:

  • Raise awareness,
  • Protest against ecological harm,
  • Share scientific data and evidence.

This right is vital for democratic environmental governance, but it must be balanced with public order and restrictions under Article 19(2).

2.11 Freedom of Trade and Commerce and Environment

Article 19(1)(g) provides the right to practice any profession or trade, but this is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of:

  • The general public,
  • Environmental health and safety.

Thus, polluting industries can be regulated, restricted, or shut down if they harm public well-being, despite claims under trade freedoms.

2.12 Fundamental Duties

Article 51A(g): "It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures."

  • Added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976.
  • Although not legally enforceable, it serves as a moral obligation for citizens to take part in environmental conservation.

Courts have increasingly cited Fundamental Duties in environmental judgments to encourage public responsibility.

2.13 Duties of the State toward Environmental Protection

Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) guide government actions:

  • Article 48A: “The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.”

Though not enforceable in court, Directive Principles help shape laws, policies, and court rulings that promote sustainable development.

The State has a constitutional obligation to legislate and act in favor of environmental conservation.

2.14 Let Us Sum Up

India’s Constitution has evolved into a powerful tool for environmental protection through:

  • Judicial interpretations of Fundamental Rights, especially Article 21,
  • Allocation of environmental responsibilities across Union, State, and Concurrent Lists,
  • Citizen duties and State obligations via Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles.

Together, these provisions create a holistic constitutional framework where environmental protection is both a legal right and a shared responsibility of the people and the State.

 

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