GK Question

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In Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the Supreme Court held that right to pollution-free water and air is part of right to life under Article ______.

  1. 14
  2. 19
  3. 21
  4. 25

Answer: 21

Environmental rights under Article 21: (a) Subhash Kumar (1991): Right to life includes enjoyment of pollution-free water and air, (b) MC Mehta cases: Absolute liability for hazardous industries, public trust doctrine for natural resources, (c) Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum (1996): Sustainable development, precautionary principle, polluter pays principle as part of environmental law. Constitutional basis for: (i) Environmental Impact Assessments, (ii) Closure of polluting industries, (iii) Protection of forests/rivers. Balances development needs with ecological sustainability.

Topic Article 21 Expansion - Right to Clean Environment
Exam Relevance Environmental rights jurisprudence frequently asked in UPSC and Judiciary exams
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