Supreme Court judges attend 'Green Justice' conference in Rajasthan

Supreme Court judges, Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta recently attended a conference on "Green Justice: Role of Legal Services Institutions for a Green and Clean Environment and Sustainable Development," organised by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA) on April 5..The judges also visited the Piplantri village in Rajasthan to witness the progress of an environmental campaign that is tied to gender justice. According to a press release, the village has been running a twenty-year campaign to plant trees to mark the birth of every girl child in the village. Around 111 trees have been planted as part of the tradition initiated by former Sarpanch Shyam Sundar Paliwal..The judges visited the village on the morning of April 5 and lauded the remarkable environmental transformation in the village..The ensuing conference, held in the afternoon, focused on environmental protection and the empowerment of girl children. The judges and experts shared their thoughts on how legal services institutions can support environmental protection and sustainable development.Justice Gavai, who is also the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) highlighted the importance of balancing development with conservation.He emphasized that while progress is necessary, it should not come at the cost of future generations’ resources. He also recognized the judiciary’s key role in protecting India’s forests and natural resources and underlined the critical role of legal services in environmental protection..Justice Gavai added that the visit to Piplantri felt like a pilgrimage."(I am) happy to see that awareness is growing among the younger generation. I read about a recent incident in Hyderabad in this morning’s newspaper—a heartening image of 1,000 students coming together to fight for the protection of a forest. It truly made me smile," he remarked further..Justice Sandeep Mehta underscored that 'Green Justice' is more of a moral obligation than merely a legal concept. He proposed replacing the term 'Golden Opportunity' with 'Green Opportunity' to reflect this ethos.Union Minister in charge of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted the importance of environmental preservation and praised the Rajasthan Legal Services Authority for its eco-initiatives.He paid tribute to environmental pioneers like the late Sundar Lal Bahuguna, the leader of the Chipko movement, and Amrita Devi, who gave her life to protect the Khejri trees.Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava observed that 'Green Justice' has a broad meaning, which is related to fundamental rights. He noted that the Legal Services Authority can serve as a crucial link—raising awareness and bridging the gap between legislation, judicial interpretation, and societal action.Also among the dignitaries who spoke at the event was Rajasthan High Court judge Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, who serves as the Executive Chairman of RSLSA, who welcomed the gathering an explained the concept of the event.The event also saw the inauguration of a Legal Awareness Camp focused on forest conservation and the empowerment of the girl child. Eligible beneficiaries received support under various government welfare schemes, and wheelchairs were distributed to specially-abled individuals. .Eight girls were extended benefits under the Piplantri Panchayat Kiran Nidhi Yojana..Highlighting the deep connection between nature (often seen as a nurturing mother) and women (symbolized as 'Matra Shakti' or mother power), RSLSA further launched an innovative scheme named “Srijan ki Suraksha Yojana 2025 – Eco Feminism.” As a pilot project, one village panchayat from each of Rajasthan’s 36 districts will be selected. In each village, 11 saplings will be planted to celebrate the birth of every girl child. These families will also receive ‘Green Girl Cards’, linking them to legal aid and welfare schemes. If successful, the scheme will be expanded across the State..Several publications were launched as well at the event. The NALSA released an SOP titled 'Asha' for the prevention of child marriages. A book titled 'Nari Ki Udaan' was also released, along with "Green Verdicts – A Comprehensive Digest of Recent Environmental Law Cases", a compilation of recent judgments focused on environmental protection.Additionally, the RSLSA unveiled its 2025 calendar and annual action plan. A special booklet titled "Empowering Justice: RSLSA's Journey of Legal Aid & Reforms 2022–2025", showcasing the Authority's innovative efforts, awareness campaigns, and empowerment initiatives over the past three years, was also released..[Watch Event]