M. C. Mehta Case (1986)

Supreme Court Judgement:

• The Supreme Court clarified the scope of its power under Article 32, stating it encompasses both preventive and remedial measures.

• It emphasized that this power allows the court to provide relief against breaches of fundamental rights that have already occurred.

• The court asserted its authority to award compensation as part of remedial relief, particularly in cases of blatant violations of fundamental rights.

• It specified that petitions seeking compensation for infringements of the right to life under Article 21 are permissible under Article 32.

Impact of the Judgement:

• The judgement expanded the scope of Environmental Law in India.

• It introduced the principle of absolute liability, replacing the previous concept of strict liability.

• Absolute liability implies liability for harm caused regardless of fault, emphasizing the responsibility of parties involved in environmental damage.