“ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND THE RIGHTS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND CASE STUDIES”

AUTHOR – ADV K GOPIKA, LL.M STUDENTS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW, CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF KERALA

BEST CITATION – ADV K GOPIKA, “ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND THE RIGHTS OF FUTURE GENERATIONS IN INDIA: CHALLENGES AND CASE STUDIES”, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 714-720, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

Environmental justice and the rights of future generations have become critical considerations in India’s pursuit of sustainable development. The principle of intergenerational equity emphasizes that current economic and developmental activities should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. India has made significant strides in recognizing these rights through landmark cases, policy initiatives, and grassroots movements. For instance, the Goenchi Mati Movement in Goa advocates for preserving mineral wealth for future generations, while legal interventions like Ridhima Pandey v. Union of India highlight the judicial acknowledgment of children’s environmental rights. However, ongoing issues such as stubble burning in Punjab demonstrate the persistent challenges to environmental justice. Despite existing legal frameworks and penalties, widespread stubble burning contributes to severe air pollution, adversely affecting both present populations and the well-being of future generations. This paper examines the role of environmental justice in India, the rights of future generations, and the practical challenges in implementing these principles, emphasizing the need for stronger enforcement, public awareness, and inclusive policymaking to ensure a sustainable and equitable environment.

KEY WORDS: Environmental Justice, Intergenerational Equity, Rights of Future Generations, Sustainable Development, Climate Change, Stubble Burning, Policy Implementation, Legal Frameworks, public awareness.