Justice Surya Kant stresses aligning growth with environmental responsibility and energy justice
April 18, 2026: Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant emphasised that India’s development must be environmentally responsible, calling for a careful balance between economic growth and ecological sustainability. Speaking at an international conference on sustainable energy in Bengaluru, he said India’s vision for 2047 should be rooted in justice, ensuring that development and environmental protection are not treated as opposing goals but as complementary priorities.
Highlighting the concept of energy justice, he stated that it is essential for ensuring clean air, water, and a livable future for all citizens. Referring to Article 21 of the Constitution of India, he noted that both development and environmental protection are constitutionally embedded, requiring a balanced approach. He stressed that courts must move beyond reactive measures and instead ensure that environmental safeguards are integrated into development planning from the outset.
Justice Kant also underlined the evolving role of the judiciary in enforcing environmental accountability, citing the MC Mehta cases as examples of sustained intervention. He advocated for a shift towards preventive action, asking whether adequate steps were taken to avoid pollution in the first place. Outlining four pillars of energy justice—affordability, accessibility, equity, and inclusiveness—he called for stronger regulatory frameworks under laws like the Electricity Act, 2003 to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.