Supreme Court's recent ruling stating that people have the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change under fundamental rights Articles 14 and Article 21 of our Constitution has really got people talking. It's not that this is the first time climate change has been given importance, but it's more about how climate crisis has become such a common issue that many have started to overlook its seriousness.
India is currently grappling with the repercussions of extreme climate change, from El Niño's impact on crop yields eventually driving up inflation pressures, to the Indian Meteorological Department's (IMD) predictions of higher-than-expected heat waves this year, which can even lead to job losses.
"It is yet to be articulated that the people have a right against the adverse effects of climate change. This is perhaps because this right and the right to a clean environment are two sides of the same coin. As the havoc caused by climate change increases year-by-year, it becomes necessary to articulate this as a distinct right. It is recognised by Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life)," the bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra stated in the ruling.
While there are many compliances in place to ensure climate change is given enough priority, they often get caught up in conflicts or aren't fully implemented at individual levels. Bringing the 'Right against climate change' under the ambit of 'Right to life' might just ensure that we are not losing on commitment, in search of compliance.
