The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws?

 The statement that the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court is the most significant achievement of modern law in India reflects the crucial role played by the judiciary in addressing environmental issues and protecting the environment through constitutional principles. Several landmark judgments by the Supreme Court have contributed to this achievement. Here are some relevant case laws:

1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1986): In this case, known as the Oleum Gas Leak case, the Supreme Court recognized the "Polluter Pays" principle, stating that industries causing pollution are responsible for bearing the costs of remediation and compensating affected parties. The judgment highlighted the importance of environmental protection and held that the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life.

2. Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996): In this case, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of the "Precautionary Principle" to prevent environmental harm. The Court held that the polluter has an absolute duty to take precautions to prevent harm to the environment and public health. It also reiterated that the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental right.

3. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1985): In this case, also known as the Dehradun Quarrying case, the Supreme Court held that environmental protection and ecological balance are integral to the right to life under Article 21. The Court ordered the closure of illegal mining activities in the Mussoorie hills to prevent environmental degradation.

4. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991): The Supreme Court, in this case, recognized the right to a clean environment as a fundamental right under Article 21. The Court held that the enjoyment of life and the right to live with human dignity encompass the right to a pollution-free environment.

5. A.P. Pollution Control Board v. Prof. M.V. Nayudu (2001): In this case, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of sustainable development and the need to balance economic development with environmental protection. The Court stated that the precautionary principle should be followed when making decisions that may have adverse environmental consequences.

These judgments highlight the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court in India. The Court has recognized the right to a clean and healthy environment as an integral part of the right to life under Article 21. It has also established principles such as the Polluter Pays principle and the Precautionary principle to hold polluters accountable and prevent environmental harm. Through these judgments, the judiciary has played a significant role in shaping environmental jurisprudence in India and ensuring the protection of the environment for present and future generations.