Constitutional Morality has been interpreted by courts to include environmental ethics, requiring State to balance development with ecological sustainability for intergenerational justice.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Environmental ethics in Constitutional Morality: (a) Legal basis: Article 21 (right to life) interpreted to include healthy environment (Subhash Kumar, MC Mehta cases); Article 48A (DPSP) directs State to protect environment, (b) Constitutional Morality application: (i) Intergenerational equity: Present generation holds environment in trust for future generations, (ii) Precautionary principle: Prevent environmental harm even without scientific certainty, (iii) Polluter pays principle: Those causing pollution bear remediation costs, (c) Applications: (i) MC Mehta cases (absolute liability for hazardous industries), (ii) Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum (sustainable development principles), (iii) Recent climate litigation (challenges to coal mining, emission norms), (d) Balance: Development needs vs ecological sustainability; Constitutional Morality requires State to prioritize long-term collective welfare over short-term gains. Illustrates adaptive constitutionalism: applying enduring values (dignity, fraternity) to emerging challenges like climate change.