NEW DELHI| 5TH JUNE 2025
Justice Abhay S Oka: “Environmental justice cannot be separated from social and economic justice”
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, Justice Abhay S Oka, former judge of the Supreme Court of India, powerfully underscored the inextricable link between environmental justice, social equity, and economic justice.
“The right to a pollution-free environment isn’t merely about clean air or water, it’s fundamentally about human dignity, social equity, and the quality of life, especially for those who cannot afford mitigation measures like air purifiers,” said Justice Oka.
He emphasized that pollution and environmental degradation directly impact the most vulnerable populations, violating their fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: PERSISTENT CHALLENGES DESPITE STRONG ENVIRONMENTAL JURISPRUDENCE
While India has a rich history of judicial activism in environmental protection, Justice Oka acknowledged the implementation gap between environmental law and real-world enforcement:
“Those who champion environmental causes often face societal resistance and insufficient recognition, yet their tireless advocacy benefits everyone. On World Environment Day, we must recognize and honour these unsung heroes and transform discussions into tangible actions, ensuring that environmental protection becomes a genuine collective commitment rather than merely an idealistic aspiration.”
Justice Oka was conferred the SILF Sustainability Award 2025 in recognition of his contributions to environmental jurisprudence and promotion of sustainable development.
Justice Sanjay Karol: “Climate change must be viewed as a climate emergency”
Justice Sanjay Karol, sitting judge of the Supreme Court and Chief Guest at the event, offered a stark reminder about the urgency of the climate crisis.
“Mother Earth does not belong to us; we belong to her,” he remarked, calling for the judiciary, legislature, and civil society to treat climate change as an emergency.
Justice Karol praised India’s constitutional courts for their proactive stance on environmental issues and emphasized the synergy between judicial intervention and economic growth:
“Grassroots solutions are essential for addressing global environmental challenges. The responsibility cannot solely lie with courts, legislators, or executives. Each citizen must actively participate in preserving the environment for future generations.”
Justice Jasmeet Singh: “Sustainability is an opportunity, not an obstacle”
Justice Jasmeet Singh, Guest of Honour and judge of the Delhi High Court, focused on the irreversible harm caused by unsustainable development and unchecked population growth.
Citing historic rulings such as MC Mehta v. Union of India, he highlighted the judiciary’s ongoing effort to safeguard the right to a clean and healthy environment.
“Transitioning to sustainability should not be seen as a costly obstacle, but rather as an opportunity for meaningful innovation and long-term prosperity.”
“The path toward sustainability is essential for our collective future, requiring each one of us—citizens, legal professionals, policymakers—to actively participate and contribute, no matter how small.”
Dr Lalit Bhasin: “Indian judiciary has pioneered environmental accountability”
Dr Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF and Chairman of the CII National Committee on Legal Services, praised the pivotal role played by Indian courts in promoting environmental accountability.
“The landmark verdicts by the Supreme Court and High Courts have established legal precedents and fostered environmental accountability within Indian governance,” he noted.
HONOUREES AND DIGNITARIES
Alongside Justice Oka, several legal and business leaders were recognised for their contribution to environmental sustainability:
Dr Bina Modi, Chairperson, Modi Enterprises
Meenakshi Arora, Senior Advocate
Prof (Dr) S Shanthakumar, Vice Chancellor, GNLU
Rajesh Jha, Regional Legal Director – South Asia, Reckitt India Pvt. Ltd.
Sharad Aggarwal, CEO, Godfrey Phillips India Ltd.
Notable Attendees included:
Sudhir Mishra, Managing Partner, Trust Legal; Chair, CII Sub-Committee on ESG & SILF
Nina Gupta, Advocate and Mediator; Member, Gender Sensitisation Committee, SC
Chetan Sharma, Additional Solicitor General of India
Justice Sangita Dhingra, Former Judge, Delhi High Court
