The National Green Tribunal convened an international forum titled "The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics," drawing judges, policymakers, scientists, and environmental advocates from several countries.
Surya Kant addressed the gathering, describing the Supreme Court as the "banyan tree" of environmental justice and noting that ecological problems transcend borders, demanding coordinated action.
He traced four decades of the Court’s jurisprudence, anchoring the right to a healthy environment within Article 21 and citing the precautionary principle, polluter‑pays doctrine, absolute liability, and public trust doctrine.
Citing Articles 48A and 51A(g), the CJI stressed that the Constitution obliges both the state and citizens to protect the environment, yet its words require judicial nurturing to become law.
His remarks signal a shift toward integrating development and conservation, a stance that will guide the Court’s future environmental rulings and prompt global deliberations on transboundary climate challenges.
The conference, co‑hosted by the National Green Tribunal, also featured sessions on climate change, governance, and environmental justice, underscoring the Court’s role as guardian of unseen generations.