Environment Protection Law

The Environment protection Act provides for protection and improvement of environment and for matters connected therewith.

The United Nations conference on human environment, held in Stockholm in June 1972, proclaimed that " Man is both creator and molder of his environment, which gives him physical sustenance and affords him the opportunity for intellectual, moral, social and spiritual growth. In the long and tortuous evolution of the human race on this planet a stage has reached when through the rapid acceleration of science and technology man has acquired the power to transform his environment in countless ways and on unprecedented scale. Both aspects of man's environment, the natural and man made are essential to his well being and to the enjoyment of basic human rights even the right to life itself.

"Environment" includes water, air, and land and the interrelationship that exists among and between water, air and land and human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism and property.

"Environmental Pollutant" means any solid, liquid or gaseous substance present in such concentration as may be, or tend to be injurious to environment.

"Hazardous Substance" means any substance or preparation which, by reasons of its chemical or physico-chemical properties or handling, is liable to cause harm to human beings, other living creatures, plants, micro-organism, property or environment.

Environmental pollution means imbalance in environment. The materials or substances when after mixing in air, water or land alters their properties in such manner, that the very use of all or any of the air water and land by man and any other living organism becomes lethal and dangerous for health.

Powers of the Supreme Court

Power of Central Government to take measures to protect and improve environment

Prevention control and abatement of environmental pollution

Penalties for contravention

Cognizance of offences & Bar of jurisdiction of Civil Courts