Theme T80 · Constitution & Polity

Environment, courts & civil society: Art 21, environmental PILs, green NGOs & pressure groups

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What UPSC asks

A cross-paper theme: Art 21 and the right to clean environment (firecrackers), Supreme Court constitutionalising environment, environmental pressure groups and NGOs, and policy contradictions causing degradation.

Prepare these

• Environmental case laws: MC Mehta, Vellore, Subhash Kumar
• Public trust doctrine, polluter pays, precautionary principle
• Green pressure groups and NGOs (Chipko, Narmada Bachao)
• Policy contradictions between sectors

Answer writing

• Cite at least two case laws; link GS2 polity with GS3 environment

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (4), Comment (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L1 — Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
• GS2-L3 — Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
• GS2-L6 — Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
• GS2-L10 — Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• GS2-L11 — Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

All 5 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202515 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-11-M2025-Q15

   What are environmental pressure groups? Discuss their role in raising awareness, influencing policies and advocating for environmental protection in India.

   Also needs: T101 Pressure groups & interest representationCopyReport a typo
2. GS2202210 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-07-M2022-Q01

   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.

   CopyReport a typo
3. GS22018GS2-GOV-01-M2018-S01

   “Policy Contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations.

   CopyReport a typo
4. GS22015GS2-GOV-02-M2015-S03

   How can the role of NGOs be strengthened in India for development works relating to protection of the environment? Discuss throwing light on the major constraints.

   Also needs: T103 Civil society, NGOs, charitable trusts & donor agenciesCopyReport a typo
5. GS22015GS2-POL-02-M2015-S02

   Does the right to clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of Indian Constitution and Judgement(s) of the Apex court in this regard.

   Also needs: T155 Air pollution: smog, WHO guidelines, NCAPCopyReport a typo