Context
Addressing the 33rd Foundation Day of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasised that Article 21 guarantees the right to pollution-free air and water. He urged courts, governments and human rights commissions to work together to protect vulnerable communities and ensure access to safe drinking water.
Explanation
- Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, judicially interpreted to include the right to live with dignity and a healthy environment.
- In Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the Supreme Court recognised the right to pollution-free air and water under Article 21.
- Article 48A, a Directive Principle of State Policy, directs the State to protect and improve the environment.
- Article 51A(g) imposes a Fundamental Duty on citizens to protect the natural environment.
- The NHRC, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, is a statutory body.
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