Environmental issues have no geographical limitations, said CJI Surya Kant NEW DELHI: Terming Supreme Court the “banyan tree” of environmental justice for its role in protecting the environment and ecology, CJI Surya Kant Saturday said conservation and development are not in conflict with each other and there is need to maintain balance between them.Addressing the inaugural session of ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’ organised by NGT, he said there are constitutional provisions for protection of environment, but words in a constitution are only seeds which need the nurturing waters of judicial wisdom to sprout into life and SC has played that role.”And it is here that SC has stood tall as the banyan tree of environmental justice, with roots deep in our civilisational ethos and branches sheltering the rights of unseen generations. It has over the decades championed the idea that progress without preservation is but a mirage that vanishes in the desert of ecological ruin. Its rulings underscore how safeguarding nature is not an act of altruism but of self-preservation, an investment in the very continuity of life.”Highlighting its proactive approach, he said SC has made the right to a pollution-free environment a fundamental right by reading it directly into Article 21 .”That same pattern has carried us to the present day, where SC recently articulated the idea of ‘eco-centric proportionality’, postulating that environmental protection must be rigorous yet intelligent enough to engage with the world as it exists. This notion has advanced the most pragmatic approach of permitting development solely in conjunction with enforceable conditions, expert oversight, restoration, compensatory afforestation and accountability.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines””Recent Indian jurisprudence on climate has brought this question into sharper constitutional focus by recognising the adverse effects of climate change can impact fundamental rights of equality, livelihood, health and conditions necessary for meaningful enjoyment of these rights,” he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDoval Recalls Chinese Capture Of Intelligence Team During Border MissionDUSU ELECTIONS WARNING TO CONGRESS—–19-09-2026Saayoni Ghosh Bats For TMC Congress Alliance, Calls For ‘True Partnership’ Ahead Of Nandigram BypollShocking Hit-And-Run In Greater Noida: Car Hits Four, Driver Escapes; Police Make ArrestRavneet Singh Bittu Detained In Ludhiana After Egg-Tomato Protest As Bhagwant Mann’s Convoy PassesFIR Filed Against IIT-Bombay After Student’s Death Following ChatGPT-Linked Exam Row | Watch’I Can’t Contest’…Mamata Banerjee’s TMC Faces Bypoll Setback As Two Candidates Withdraw | WatchAshok Gehlot Questions Congress Strategy After Rajasthan Poll Setback | What Went Wrong?“No Road, No Vote”: Union Minister Scindia’s Response To Youth In Guna Goes Viral | Watch‘TMC Mine Until…’: Mamata Supports Congress In Nandigram Bypoll; Ritabrata’s ‘Cult’ Jibe At Didi123Photostories5 relationship “icks” that are actually signs of incompatibility10 beautiful baby names for your little one that symbolise light and radiance5 Easy no-bake desserts you can prepare at home without using an ovenTravelling to Canada from India? 7 things first-time visitors should knowFrom Shab Deg to Kalathappam: Local Indian dishes that deserve a royal comebackFrom pumpkin seeds to chia and crumbled paneer: How to elevate a bowl of papaya as a high-protein breakfastSanjeev Kapoor’s Dal Tadka Recipe turns 5 pantry staples into a restaurant-style lunch in under 30 minutesPsychology says eating while watching something may make it harder to notice this one important signalBanana botox to kitchen skincare: Why are these viral DIY beauty hacks trending again?5 Healthy oatmeal smoothie recipes for breakfast: Easy and nutritious drinks to start your day123Hot PicksLPG Aadhar RuleAjit DovalGTA 6Navya ShekhawatCBSE Date SheetShapoor MistryDelhi rapeNSE IPOSwatantra BhardwajTop TrendingAbhishek SharmaJared YoungWWE Money In the BankGold Rates TodayJos ButtlerAsian GamesMohammad RizwanLamar OdomDonald TrumpPM Modi
NEW DELHI: Terming Supreme Court the “banyan tree” of environmental justice for its role in protecting the environment and ecology, CJI Surya Kant Saturday said conservation and development are not in conflict with each other and there is need to maintain balance between them.Addressing the inaugural session of ‘The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics’ organised by NGT, he said there are constitutional provisions for protection of environment, but words in a constitution are only seeds which need the nurturing waters of judicial wisdom to sprout into life and SC has played that role.“And it is here that SC has stood tall as the banyan tree of environmental justice, with roots deep in our civilisational ethos and branches sheltering the rights of unseen generations. It has over the decades championed the idea that progress without preservation is but a mirage that vanishes in the desert of ecological ruin. Its rulings underscore how safeguarding nature is not an act of altruism but of self-preservation, an investment in the very continuity of life.“Highlighting its proactive approach, he said SC has made the right to a pollution-free environment a fundamental right by reading it directly into Article 21 .“That same pattern has carried us to the present day, where SC recently articulated the idea of ‘eco-centric proportionality’, postulating that environmental protection must be rigorous yet intelligent enough to engage with the world as it exists. This notion has advanced the most pragmatic approach of permitting development solely in conjunction with enforceable conditions, expert oversight, restoration, compensatory afforestation and accountability.
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““Recent Indian jurisprudence on climate has brought this question into sharper constitutional focus by recognising the adverse effects of climate change can impact fundamental rights of equality, livelihood, health and conditions necessary for meaningful enjoyment of these rights,” he added.
