Climate Change and Environmental Justice in India: Formulating a Comprehensive Legal and Policy Framework to Address Ecological Crises and Promote Equitable Sustainable Development.

Abstract:
India’s escalating climate crisis, marked by rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and environmental degradation, disproportionately impacts marginalized communities, ne- cessitating robust legal and policy interventions to ensure environmental justice. This article examines India’s environmental law framework, judicial precedents, and global best practices to propose a comprehensive strategy for addressing climate change while prioritizing equitable access to a clean environment. Drawing on statutes like the Envi- ronment Protection Act, 1986, and cases like M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, it analyzes systemic challenges such as lax enforcement, industrial non-compliance, and inadequate community participation. The article advocates for legislative amendments, climate- focused tribunals, and community-driven initiatives to balance ecological preservation with socio-economic equity. It concludes that a justice-centered approach can foster sustainable development and protect vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Climate Change, Environmental Justice, Legal Reforms, Sustainable Devel- opment, Environmental Protection Act, Judicial Precedents, Community Participation, Ecological Crises, 

Research Methodology

This study employs a qualitative research approach, synthesizing doctrinal analysis, com- parative evaluation, and empirical insights to assess India’s response to climate change and environmental justice. It examines key environmental statutes, including the Envi- ronment Protection Act, 1986, and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, alongside judicial precedents like Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996). Secondary sources, including academic journals, government reports, and platforms like

Drishti IAS and Insights IAS, provide contextual data. Comparative analysis draws on environmental justice frameworks from the United States, European Union, and South Africa to identify adaptable strategies. Empirical data on pollution levels and climate impacts is sourced from reports like TERI (2024). Limitations include restricted access to grassroots-level data on environmental violations, necessitating reliance on documented case studies and public-domain information.

1. Introduction
India, a nation of 1.4 billion, faces severe climate challenges, including rising sea lev- els, extreme weather events, and air pollution, which threaten ecosystems and human livelihoods. With Delhi’s AQI frequently exceeding 400 and 70

2. Comprehensive Analysis of the Legal and Constitutional Frame- work Governing Climate Change and Environmental Justice in India.

• Constitutional Provisions Establishing the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment Article 21’s right to life has been interpreted to include a clean environment in cases like Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), which recognized pollution-free water and air as fundamental rights (Supreme Court Updates, 2023). Articles 48A and 51A(g) impose duties on the state and citizens to protect the environment, forming the constitutional basis for environmental justice. However, the lack of specific climate change provisions limits their efficacy (Drishti IAS, 2025).
• Statutory Framework: Environment Protection Act and Related Leg- islation
  The Environment Protection Act, 1986, empowers the government to regulate pollution and protect ecosystems, while the Air Act, 1981, and Water Act, 1974, address specific pollutants. However, weak enforcement and outdated penalties hinder compliance. For instance, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has flagged over 50
• Judicial Precedents Shaping Environmental Justice and Climate Ac- countability. The judiciary has been proactive, with cases like M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987) introducing the “polluter pays” principle and Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996) endorsing sustainable development (Legal Service India, 2025). However, inconsistent enforcement of court orders, as seen in the Ganga pollution cases, limits impact.

3. Critical Systemic Challenges Hindering Effective Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Justice in India.

• Weak Enforcement of Environmental Laws and Regulatory Oversight. Despite robust laws, enforcement is lax due to understaffed pollution control boards and inadequate penalties. Over 60
• Limited Community Participation in Environmental Decision-Making Processes Marginalized communities, such as Adivasis, are often excluded from environmental im- pact assessments (EIAs). The 2020 EIA Draft, criticized for diluting public consultation, exemplifies this gap (Insights IAS, 2025).
• Inadequate Climate-Specific Legislation and Policy Frameworks India lacks a dedicated climate change law, relying on fragmented statutes. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) sets ambitious goals but lacks enforceable mechanisms (Drishti IAS, 2025).

4. Proposed Legal and Policy Reforms to Strengthen Climate Change Mitigation and Environmental Justice in India.

• Enacting a Comprehensive Climate Change and Environmental Jus- tice Act. A dedicated climate law should mandate emission reductions, renewable energy targets, and community participation in EIAs. It could draw on South Africa’s Climate Change Act, which integrates justice principles (South Africa, 2024).
• Strengthening the National Green Tribunal with Enhanced Powers Empowering the NGT with suo motu powers and higher penalties would improve en- forcement. The EU’s Environmental Liability Directive offers a model for strict liability (EU, 2025). Promoting Community-Driven Environmental Governance Through Decentralized Mech- anisms Establishing local environmental committees, modeled on Brazil’s participatory councils, would ensure marginalized communities have a voice in decision-making (Brazil, 2024).
• Enhancing Corporate Accountability Through Stricter Penalties and Monitoring. Mandating real-time emission monitoring and higher fines, as in the US Clean Air Act, would deter industrial non-compliance (EPA, 2025).

5. Leveraging Global Best Practices to Inform India’s Climate Change and Environmental Justice Framework

• United States’ Clean Air Act and Environmental Justice Initiatives. The US Clean Air Act’s stringent emission standards and the EPA’s environmental justice programs ensure equitable enforcement, offering lessons for India’s NGT (EPA, 2025).
• European Union’s Environmental Liability Directive and Climate Goals The EU’s di- rective imposes liability for environmental damage, while the European Green Deal sets net-zero targets, providing a model for India’s climate law (EU, 2025).
• South Africa’s Climate Change Act and Community Focus. South Africa’s act integrates justice and adaptation, ensuring vulnerable communities are prioritized, a strategy India could adopt (South Africa, 2024).
• Brazil’s Participatory Environmental Governance Model. Brazil’s local councils involve communities in environmental decisions, a framework India could emulate for inclusive governance (Brazil, 2024).

6. Potential Impact and Transformative Benefits of Proposed Cli- mate Change and Environmental Justice Reforms.

• Enhanced Environmental Protection and Climate Resilience. Stronger laws and infrastructure investments would reduce pollution and enhance adap- tation, benefiting ecosystems (TERI, 2024).
• Improved Equity for Marginalized Communities Community-driven governance would ensure Adivasis and farmers benefit from environ- mental protections (Insights IAS, 2025).
• Economic Growth Through Sustainable Development Green technologies could create 10 million jobs by 2030, boosting India’s economy (Drishti IAS, 2025).
• Global Leadership in Climate Governance aligning with Paris Agreement goals would position India as a climate leader (Vijoriya Foundation, 2025).

7. Challenges in Implementing Climate Change and Environmen- tal Justice Reforms and Strategic Mitigation Approaches.

• Resistance from Industry and Political Stakeholders. Industries may oppose stricter regulations. Stakeholder consultations can align interests (Insights IAS, 2025).
• Resource Constraints for Infrastructure and Enforcement Limited funding requires inno- vative financing like green bonds (Vijoriya Foundation, 2025). Low Public Awareness and Community Engagement Rural communities need awareness campaigns through NGOs and media (Drishti IAS, 2025).
• Legal and Bureaucratic Delays in Policy Implementation Bipartisan support is essential to expedite legislative reforms (Bar and Bench, 2025).

8. Strategic Recommendations for Effective Implementation of Climate Change and Environmental Justice Reforms in India.
Pilot Programs for Climate Tribunals and Community Councils: Test in pollution- prone areas like Delhi. Stakeholder Engagement with Industry and Communities: Align interests through consultations.Public Awareness Campaigns via Media and NGOs: Educate rural populations on environmental rights. Phased Implementation of Green Infrastructure: Prioritize renewable energy projects. International Collaboration with EU and South Africa: Adopt global best practices.

9. Conclusion:

Building a Resilient and Equitable Future Through Comprehensive Climate Change and Environmental Justice Reforms in India’s climate crisis demands a robust legal and policy framework that balances ecolog- ical preservation with social equity. By enacting a climate law, empowering the NGT, and fostering community participation, India can address environmental challenges while protecting vulnerable populations. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to create a sustainable, justice-centered future.

References

• Drishti IAS (2025) ‘Climate Change and Environmental Justice in India’, Drishti IAS, Available at: https://www.drishtiias.com.
• Insights IAS (2025) ‘Environmental Governance and Climate Challenges’, Insights IAS, Available at: https://www.insightsonindia.com.
• Legal Service India (2025) ‘Judicial Role in Environmental Protection’, Legal Service India, Available at: https://www.legalserviceindia.com.
• Supreme Court Updates (2023) ‘Environmental Jurisprudence in India’, Supreme Court Updates, Available at: https://www.scconline.com.
• TERI (2024) ‘Climate Impacts and Pollution in India’, The Energy and Resources Insti- tute, Available at: https://www.teriin.org.
• Vijoriya Foundation (2025) ‘Environmental Justice Reforms’, Vijoriya Foundation, Avail- able at: https://foundation.vijoriya.com.
• Bar and Bench (2025) ‘NGT and Environmental Enforcement’, Bar and Bench, Available at: https://www.barandbench.com.
• Sleepy Classes (2024) ‘Industrial Pollution and Compliance Issues’, Sleepy Classes, Avail- able at: https://www.sleepyclasses.com.
• European Union (2025) ‘Environmental Liability Directive’, Available at: https://ec. europa.eu.
• Environmental Protection Agency (2025) ‘Clean Air Act and Environmental Justice’, EPA, Available at: https://www.epa.gov.
• South Africa (2024) ‘Climate Change Act’, Available at: https://www.gov.za.