Latest news with #SILF
India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Judges call for environmental protection, condemn attack on environmentalists
On the occasion of World Environment Day, recently retired Supreme Court Justice Abhay S Oka and sitting Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol called out the attacks on activists and the Judiciary for trying to protect the at the inaugural ceremony for the Climate Change Conference organised by the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Justice Karol drew attention to the annual problem of seasonal air pollution in Delhi and the stink from the pollution in the river Yamuna. Justice Karol also called for cooperation between industry, the judiciary, the government and the people to protect the environment.'I see that there is no conflict between activism in the Indian judiciary and economic growth, or the development of the economy or otherwise in India. There is no doubt that all of us have to work together to achieve the constitutional goal that is set out in the preamble,' said Justice Oka, who was also honoured at the event for his contribution to the development of environmental law in India, praised the activists who fight for the environment, despite the opposition they face.'What I find from my long experience—20 years as a lawyer and nearly 22 years as a judge of three constitutional courts—is that very few citizens show enthusiasm and courage to take up environmental issues. It is not easy to address environmental concerns, as those who raise these issues rarely get active societal support,' said Justice people seriously addressing environmental issues are branded anti-development, accused of obstructing so-called developmental activities. That is the greatest tragedy of our fighting for the environment are fighting for social and economic justice guaranteed under the Constitution. Their ultimate aim is upholding the rights under Article 21. However, those advocating for environmental causes rarely receive societal support. When society doesn't support them, how can we expect public authorities or the government to support them?' said Oka Oka also said that there is no conflict between development and protection of the environment.'Someday, we should debate the concept of development itself. Do we necessarily mean construction of huge buildings, roads, and flyovers, or should development mean providing basic amenities to the poor and needy? That is a separate debate altogether,' said Karol also called for 'grassroots solutions' to environmental "If you were to see our report card in the last 75 years, or since the 1980s, what is it really we have done? Have we done enough to protect the environment, or not? My view is this: a lot needs to be done, at all levels. And I would borrow an expression that the solution to the problem now is grassroots solutions to an international problem. So, grassroots solutions for global challenges. The way forward, according to me, is that we as individuals have to take up the causes pertaining to the environment,' said Justice High Court Justice Jasmeet Singh also spoke about the need to maintain a balance between development and environmental protection, particularly in light of the economic impact. "Limited attention is given to environmental care because of the economic challenges it poses. Transitioning to sustainable practices is frequently seen as costly or disruptive, especially in a developing economy like India. There is significant dependence on fossil fuels. This creates a sense of conflict between environmental responsibility and economic growth. But I believe that challenge can be transformed into an opportunity, an instrument of meaningful change," said Justice advocate Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF and Chairman of the CII National Committee on Legal Services, also said that 'Sustainability is no longer an optional agenda; it is a core element of national and business competitiveness.'Meanwhile, at a separate event to mark World Environment Day at the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Chairman NGT Justice Prakash Shrivastava called for 'collective action' to protect the environment. Highlighting the urgent need to curb plastic pollution, Justice Shrivastava said that 'The National Green Tribunal stands as a sentinel for environmental protection, but our efforts alone are insufficient without the active participation of every citizen.' Must Watch
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Yamuna pollution, smog biggest environmental issues in Delhi: SC Judge Sanjay Karol
New Delhi: Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol on Thursday said smog and Yamuna River pollution were the biggest environmental issues in the national capital. The judge was speaking at the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 when he emphasised on environmental protection. Each citizen, he said, was responsible to protect the environment and the onus wasn't just on the judiciary, the executive and the legislature. 'We have to make sure that the environment, be it in any form, has to be protected. I would also say this, that over the years we have developed certain principles, and the public trust doctrine is one such doctrine which we must always keep in mind,' Justice Karol said. He continued, 'But I would say this, if you were to see our report card in the last 75 years, or since the 1980s, what have we done? Have we done enough to protect the environment? My view is that a lot needs to be done, at all levels. And I would borrow an expression, that the solution to the problem now is grassroots solutions to an international problem. The way forward, according to me, is that we as individuals have to take up the causes pertaining to the environment.' Environmental issues could not be left to the courts for passing of verdicts, the legislature for making relevant laws or the executive for implementing them, he added. 'Each one of us, as responsible citizens, has to understand, become aware of, and ensure that we protect the environment for posterity.' He highlighted the two major issues -- air pollution and a polluted Yamuna -- Delhi has been grappling with required attention. 'I don't know how many of you have travelled in the Metro, or how many of you have gone beyond the Lutyens. But if you go to Noida or Trans-Yamuna, you would see what Yamuna really is. These are the two biggest challenges,' Justice Karol said. He outlined judiciary's 'zealous' role in protecting the environment. 'The reason is very clear. And it is that Mother Earth is not ours. We are there for her and we are there not only for her but also for posterity, for future generations, not only in India, but the world over,' the judge said. Justice Karol, as a result, urged each citizen to take up the cause of protecting the environment.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Environmental justice is social justice, protecting nature essential for human dignity: Justice AS Oka
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) hosted the Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025, emphasising India's judiciary's role in environmental protection and sustainability. Chief Guest Justice Sanjay Karol and Guest of Honour Justice Jasmeet Singh addressed the event, where Justice Abhay S Oka received the SILF Sustainability Award 2025 for his contributions to environmental law. Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka stressed that environmental justice is intertwined with social and economic equity, highlighting the Supreme Court's strong stance on pollution and its impact on vulnerable communities. He called for action beyond legal precedents to translate sustainability into real change. Justice Jasmeet Singh noted the urgent climate crisis, underscoring the judiciary's role in balancing conservation with development. He urged collective efforts toward sustainability, emphasizing the need for innovation and commitment. Justice Karol framed climate change as an emergency, stating that Indian courts have zealously protected the environment. He emphasised grassroots solutions and citizen participation in preserving ecological balance. President of SILF, Dr Lalit Bhasin praised the judiciary for setting environmental accountability precedents and called for continued focus on sustainability. The event featured discussions on environmental justice and economic development, with awards recognising contributions from distinguished figures. The conference reinforced the judiciary's critical role in advancing sustainability and environmental protection in India. (ANI)
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Smog, Yamuna pollution biggest environment issues in Delhi: SC judge
Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol on Thursday said smog and Yamuna River pollution were the biggest environmental issues in the national capital. The judge was speaking at the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 when he emphasised on environmental protection. Each citizen, he said, was responsible to protect the environment and the onus wasn't just on the judiciary, the executive and the legislature. "We have to make sure that the environment, be it in any form, has to be protected. I would also say this, that over the years we have developed certain principles, and the public trust doctrine is one such doctrine which we must always keep in mind," Justice Karol said. He continued, "But I would say this, if you were to see our report card in the last 75 years, or since the 1980s, what have we done? Have we done enough to protect the environment? My view is that a lot needs to be done, at all levels. And I would borrow an expression, that the solution to the problem now is grassroots solutions to an international problem. The way forward, according to me, is that we as individuals have to take up the causes pertaining to the environment." Environmental issues could not be left to the courts for passing of verdicts, the legislature for making relevant laws or the executive for implementing them, he added. "Each one of us, as responsible citizens, has to understand, become aware of, and ensure that we protect the environment for posterity." He highlighted the two major issues -- air pollution and a polluted Yamuna -- Delhi has been grappling with required attention. "I don't know how many of you have travelled in the metro, or how many of you have gone beyond the Lutyens. But if you go to Noida or Trans-Yamuna, you would see what Yamuna really is. These are the two biggest challenges," Justice Karol said. He outlined judiciary's "zealous" role in protecting the environment. "The reason is very clear. And it is that Mother Earth is not ours. We are there for her and we are there not only for her but also for posterity, for future generations, not only in India, but the world over," the judge said.
United News of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
SILF Climate Change Conference 2025 honours Justice Abhay S. Oka with Sustainability Award
New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) In a stirring convergence of law and environmental consciousness, the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) hosted the SILF Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 in New Delhi on World Environment Day, recognising the Indian judiciary's unwavering role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. The event was graced by Justice Sanjay Karol, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as Chief Guest, and Justice Jasmeet Singh, Judge of the Delhi High Court, as Guest of Honour. The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the SILF Sustainability Award 2025 to Justice Abhay S. Oka, former Supreme Court Judge, for his extraordinary contributions to environmental jurisprudence in India. Delivering a powerful keynote, Justice Oka stated, 'Environmental justice cannot be separated from social and economic justice. Pollution and environmental degradation hurt the most vulnerable the hardest, affecting their dignity and the basic rights under Article 21 of our Constitution.' He lamented the lack of recognition for environmental activists and emphasised the need to translate judicial principles into action. 'On World Environment Day, we must honour the unsung heroes of environmental protection and turn our ideals into tangible action,' he added. Justice Jasmeet Singh stressed the urgency of the climate crisis and the judiciary's pivotal role: 'The crisis we face today is a consequence of unsustainable development. But landmark judgments like M.C. Mehta prove that environmental conservation and progress must coexist.' He urged society to embrace sustainability as a path to innovation and collective prosperity, not merely a challenge. 'It is through collective effort that climate change can become a catalyst for resilient growth,' he said. "We Belong to Mother Earth": Justice Sanjay Karol Justice Sanjay Karol made an emotional plea for grassroots environmental action: 'We must stop viewing climate change as a problem to be solved later. It is a climate emergency now. The courts have done their part, now every citizen must rise to the occasion.' He dismissed the notion that judicial activism hinders economic growth, asserting that both can progress in harmony to achieve constitutional goals of sustainability. Dr. Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF and Chairman of the CII National Committee on Legal Services, applauded the judiciary's role. He said, 'The judgments of our courts have sown seeds of environmental accountability in India's governance landscape. These precedents are now the guiding light for lawmakers, regulators, and businesses alike.' The Awards Ceremony honoured key individuals and organisations for championing sustainability, Justice Abhay S. Oka, Retired Supreme Court Judge, Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson, Modi Enterprises, Meenakshi Arora, Senior Advocate, Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, VC, Gujarat National Law University, Rajesh Jha, Regional Legal Director, South Asia, Reckitt India, Sharad Aggarwal, CEO, Godfrey Phillips India, Additionally, Plaques of Honour were presented to Justice Karol and Justice Jasmeet Singh for their sustained commitment to environmental justice. Engaging Panel Discussions on Judicial Responsibility, Two thematic panels 'Courts as Saviours of Clean Air, Trees, Rivers, Forests, and Climate in India' and 'Role of Judiciary in Balancing Economic Development and Sustainability'/featured rich dialogues by experts on how India's legal framework must evolve to address the country's ecological challenges. The SILF Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 reaffirmed that law and climate responsibility are inextricably linked and that India's legal fraternity must remain at the forefront of environmental stewardship. UNI SNG RN
