Justice P.S. Narasimha of the Supreme Court of India recently highlighted India’s pioneering role in adopting an eco-centric approach to environmental jurisprudence. 

• He also emphasised that India was the first country where a court transitioned from an anthropocentric to an eco-centric approach.
• The shift aligns with India’s cultural ethos, which considers nature as a living entity rather than a resource for human exploitation.

Supreme Court’s Shift to an Eco-Centric Approach

• The Supreme Court of India formally acknowledged this shift, inspired by grassroots environmental concerns and traditional Indian philosophies that respect nature.
• This perspective has influenced legal decisions, including cases where courts granted legal personhood to rivers and forests to ensure their protection.

Comparison of Anthropocentric and Eco-Centric Approaches

Challenges of the Anthropocentric Approach

• Resource Exploitation: Excessive focus on human benefits has led to unsustainable resource extraction, deforestation, and pollution.
• Climate Change: Anthropogenic activities have accelerated global warming, causing extreme weather events and biodiversity loss.
• Legal Limitations: Environmental laws often prioritize economic development, making it difficult to enforce strict conservation measures.
• Lack of Representation for Nature: Since nature has no direct legal representation, its interests are often overlooked in policy decisions.
  

Indian Constitutional Provisions Supporting an Eco-Centric Approach

• Article 48A: Directs the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.
• Article 51A(g): Imposes a fundamental duty on citizens to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife.
• Doctrine of Public Trust: The state holds natural resources as a trustee for the public, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.
• Judicial Activism: Courts have frequently ruled in favor of environmental conservation, recognizing the rights of nature and enforcing sustainable development principles.

Landmark Court Verdicts Reflecting the Eco-Centric Approach

•  T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (2012): The Supreme Court expanded the definition of ‘forest’ beyond legal classifications to include ecologically significant areas.
  • It mandated strict regulations on deforestation and illegal activities, ensuring sustainable forest conservation.
• M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (2024): The verdict emphasized the intrinsic value of biodiversity, reinforcing stronger protection for endangered species and fragile ecosystems.
  • The court directed enhanced legal safeguards for conservation efforts, prioritizing environmental integrity over commercial interests.

Global Practices in Ecological Justice

Several countries have adopted legal frameworks recognizing nature’s rights, granting ecosystems legal personhood to protect them from exploitation.

Conclusion

The eco-centric legal approach adopted by the Indian Supreme Court reflects a growing global trend toward environmental conservation beyond human interests. By recognizing nature’s intrinsic rights, India and other nations aim to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure sustainable development. However, balancing environmental protection with economic growth remains a challenge, requiring continuous legal and policy reforms.