Environmental Threats Have No Borders, CJI Surya Kant Calls for Global Cooperation

Environmental challenges do not stop at national borders and require sustained global dialogue, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Saturday, calling for greater exchange of scientific expertise, legal approaches and best practices.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the International Conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics” in New Delhi, the CJI welcomed the National Green Tribunal’s initiative to bring together experts from different countries.

“Environmental issues don’t have any geographical limitations, so it’s extremely important that all those who are concerned about these issues often meet and deliberate on these vital issues,” he said.

The conference, he added, offered a platform for stakeholders, scientists and specialists to examine how different jurisdictions were responding to shared environmental problems.

A Constitutional Responsibility

Addressing the conference, Justice Surya Kant said environmental protection was deeply rooted in India’s civilisational ethos and constitutional framework.

He referred to Articles 48A and 51A(g), highlighting the responsibilities of both the State and citizens in protecting the environment.

The Supreme Court, he said, had developed a substantial body of environmental jurisprudence over the years, recognising the right to a healthy environment as part of the right to life under Article 21.

He cited the precautionary principle, the polluter pays principle, absolute liability and the public trust doctrine among the principles developed through judicial decisions.

Development Must Remain Accountable

The CJI stressed that environmental protection could not be treated as an obstacle to development. Sustainable development required economic and developmental activities to remain accountable to people and the environment.

He also referred to the Court’s evolving approach of “ecocentric proportionality”, saying environmental protection must remain rigorous while accounting for practical realities and foreseeable conditions.

His remarks placed emphasis on how environmental safeguards are applied, with judicial scrutiny extending to the consequences of development and the responsibilities arising from environmental damage.

Beyond Preventing Harm

Justice Surya Kant said environmental jurisprudence had progressively expanded beyond preventing damage to encompass expert oversight, restoration, compensation and accountability.

Discussions across jurisdictions could help deepen understanding of emerging challenges and allow participants to learn from approaches adopted elsewhere, he said.

“This kind of international conference gives a platform where the stakeholders, domain experts, scientists and all eminent personalities come together. They share their ideas, best practices and how these issues are being tackled globally in different jurisdictions,” he told ANI.

The NGT conference brought together judges, judicial members, policymakers, scientists, environmental experts, advocates and international delegates to discuss climate change, environmental law, governance and environmental justice.

With inputs from ANI