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M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, AIR (1988) SC 1037, 1115:

M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, AIR (1988) SC 1037, 1115:

  • The petitioner, M.C. Mehta, was a social activist and lawyer who filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court of India, seeking to stop the pollution of the river Ganga by the industries and municipal bodies in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

  • The main source of pollution was the leather tanneries, which discharged untreated effluents containing toxic chemicals and organic matter into the river, depleting the dissolved oxygen and harming the aquatic life and human health.

  • The respondents included the Union of India, the State of Uttar Pradesh, the Central Pollution Control Board, the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board, the Kanpur Nagar Mahapalika, and several tannery owners and associations.

  • The Supreme Court issued several directions and orders to the respondents, such as:The tanneries were required to set up primary treatment plants within six months, failing which they would be liable to pay compensation and face closure.

  • The Central and State Boards were directed to monitor the water quality and effluent standards, and to take legal action against the violators.

  • The Kanpur Nagar Mahapalika was directed to improve the sewerage system and sanitation facilities, and to prevent the discharge of domestic sewage into the river.

  • The Union of India was directed to provide financial and technical assistance to the State and the municipal authorities for implementing the measures to control pollution.

  • The Supreme Court also recognized the right to a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and invoked the principle of strict liability for the polluters, irrespective of their negligence or intention.

  • The Supreme Court also emphasized the duty of the citizens to protect and improve the natural environment under Article 51A of the Constitution, and appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities in the task of cleaning the river Ganga.



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