Open Access Research Article
CLIMATE JUSTICE IN INDIA: CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE AND STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FROM ARTICLE 21 TO NET-ZERO 2070
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This article examines India's legal response to climate change through
the lens of constitutional law and statutory regulation. It argues that while
the Constitution of India does not expressly mention climate change, the
Supreme Court has read climate protection into the fundamental right to life
under Article 21 through an expansive interpretation supported by Articles 48A,
51A(g), 14 and 19. The paper traces the development from early environmental
jurisprudence to the recent recognition of freedom from adverse effects of
climate change as a distinct facet of Articles 14 and 21 in M.K. Ranjitsinh v.
Union of India (2024). It critically analyses the fragmented statutory regime
comprising the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, Air Act 1981, Water Act 1974,
Forest Conservation Act 1980, Wildlife Protection Act 1972, Biological
Diversity Act 2002, and the National Green Tribunal Act 2010. The study further
evaluates India's international commitments under UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, Paris
Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions and domestic missions
under NAPCC. It concludes that India needs a dedicated Climate Change Act
moving from sectoral laws to a rights-based integrated framework.
Published Paper
Author Details
Authors: NAGARIKA DILEEP
Registration ID: 1013230 | Published Paper ID: IJLRA13230
Year: Sep-2026 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 6
Approved ISSN: 2582-6433 | Country: Delhi, India
Page No.: 1673-1708
Article Information
CLIMATE JUSTICE IN INDIA: CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE AND STATUTORY FRAMEWORK FROM ARTICLE 21 TO NET-ZERO 2070
Authors: NAGARIKA DILEEP
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Volume 3
- Issue 6
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- AbbreviationIJLRA
- ISSN2582-6433
- AccessOpen Access
- LicenseCC 4.0
All research articles published in International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis are open access and available to read, download and share, subject to proper citation of the original work.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis.