“Sustainable Development: Constitutional and Judicial Response in India”

Abstract

 Sustainable Development is a modern phrase used frequently in social, economic, legal and political arenas. The concept attempts to balance a delicate equilibrium between the quantity of development and quality of environment, not also for people presently living, but for future generations also.

Sustainable Development is a part of the vision reflected by our constitution makers in various provisions of the constitution. Indian judiciary has also demonstrated exemplary activism to implement the mandate of Sustainable Development and attempting to ensure the accountability of other institutions of government and individuals.

The paper enumerates the various constitutional provisions to protect the environment. It discusses the ambit of Article 21 and the role of PIL and Writ jurisdiction in the Indian legal system.