Environmental justice has been elevated to a higher pedestal and it cannot be separated from social and economic justice, Justice Abhay S Oka said on Thursday. .Speaking on World Environment Day on June 5, the former Supreme Court judge highlighted that pollution and environmental degradation directly impact the most vulnerable, violating their fundamental right to life. "The right to a pollution-free environment isn't merely about clean air or water, it's fundamentally about human dignity, social equity, and the quality of life, especially for those who cannot afford mitigation measures like air purifiers,” Justice Oka said.He underscored that even though India has robust judicial precedents to safeguard the environment, challenges persist in translating these principles into action."Those who champion environmental causes often face societal resistance and insufficient recognition, yet their tireless advocacy benefits everyone. On World Environment Day, we must recognize and honour these unsung heroes and transform discussions into tangible actions, ensuring that environmental protection becomes a genuine collective commitment rather than merely an idealistic aspiration,” he said..Justice Oka was speaking at the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025.He was awarded the SILF Sustainability Award 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental jurisprudence and sustainable development.The event was organised to celebrate the vital role of the Indian judiciary in environmental protection and sustainability..Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol, Chief Guest at the event, warned that climate change must be seen as a climate emergency. He too hailed the proactive role of Indian constitutional courts in protecting the environment, stressing that "Mother Earth does not belong to us; we belong to her."He argued that judicial activism for environmental protection complements economic growth. Both are essential for realising the constitutional vision outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution, he stressed.“Grassroots solutions are essential for addressing global environmental challenges. The responsibility cannot solely lie with courts, legislators, or executives. Each citizen must actively participate in preserving the environment for future generations. Collective efforts, such as community-led clean-ups and awareness initiatives, are not only necessary but vital for ensuring sustainable environmental progress,” Justice Karol remarked..Meanwhile, Justice Jasmeet Singh, Guest of Honour, emphasised judiciary’s vital role in addressing the climate crisis. The Delhi High Court judge noted that rapid population growth and unsustainable development have caused irreversible environmental harm. Citing landmark judgments like MC Mehta, he highlighted the courts’ ongoing commitment to upholding the fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment and said that there is a need for a balanced approach to development and conservation.“Transitioning to sustainability should not be seen as a costly obstacle, but rather as an opportunity for meaningful innovation and long-term prosperity. The path toward sustainability is essential for our collective future, requiring each one of us—citizens, legal professionals, policymakers—to actively participate and contribute, no matter how small. It is through collective effort and commitment that we can transform the challenge of climate change into an avenue for resilient and lasting progress,” he added..Dr Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF and Chairman of the CII National Committee on Legal Services, also said that the judiciary has played a commendable role in protecting the environment. He noted that the landmark verdicts by the Supreme Court and High Courts have established legal precedents and fostered environmental accountability within Indian governance. These judgments now serve as vital reference points for courts, policymakers and the corporate sector, he added. .Apart from Justice Oka, Dr Bina Modi (Chairperson, Modi Enterprises), Senior Advocate Meenakshi Arora, Prof (Dr) S Shanthakumar (Vice Chancellor, Gujarat National Law University), Rajesh Jha (Regional Legal Director – South Asia, Reckitt India Private Limited) and Sharad Aggarwal (CEO, Godfrey Phillips India Limited) were also awarded for their contribution to protecting the environment. Sudhir Mishra (Managing Partner at Trust Legal and Chair of the CII Sub-Committee on ESG and SILF), Nina Gupta (Advocate and Mediator, and Member of the Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee of the Supreme Court of India), Chetan Sharma (Additional Solicitor General of India) and Justice Sangita Dhingra (former Judge of the Delhi High Court) were also present at the event.
