A Case Comment on Rural Litigation Entitlement Kendra (RELK) v. State of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

“Solutions to the climate crisis are within reach, but in order to capture them, we must take urgent action today across every level of society.” very rightly said Al Gore, the Former US Vice President and Chairman of the Climate Reality Project. With rapid industrialization and urbanization, environmental deterioration is taking a huge lead day by day. Anthropogenic activities contribute largely to environmental concerns. Many environmental activists have filed certain Public Interest Litigations (PIL) to bring environmental issues to light. One of the landmark cases related to the environment is Rural Litigation Entitlement Kendra (RLEK) v. UOI, in which the first PIL was filed against the illegal mining activities in Doon Valley. An application was written to the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to take preventive steps to prohibit illegal mining activities. The judgment contributed significantly to the issues pertaining to the environment. This case has unveiled several aspects related to illegal mining activities carried out in Doon Valley. A considerable reduction in the Green Belt was observed. The court took immediate action and constituted the Bhargava Committee to assess and analyse the impact of mining activities in that area on the environment. The committee recommended to stop the mining activities to curb the environmental deterioration. Only the state is not responsible for maintaining the environment, but it is the fundamental duty enshrined in Article 51 (A) (g) of the Constitution. This case has highlighted the conflict between Industrialization and Environmental Conservation. It is a very important judgment, which is why it set up a precedent in Environmental Laws.