2/16/2019 VELLORE CITIZENS WELFARE FORUM VERSUS UNION OF INDIA

VELLORE CITIZENS WELFARE FORUM VERSUS

UNION OF INDIA
By Admin Lawnn - September 28, 2017

VELLORE CITIZENS WELFARE FORUM VERSUS UNION OF INDIA

VELLORE CITIZENS WELFARE FORUM

VERSUS

UNION OF INDIA

Citation: AIR 1996 SC 2715: (1996) 5 SCC 647Bench: Kuldip Singh, Faizan Uddin, K.
VenkataswamiNo of Judges: 3Appeal No: Writ Petition (C) No. 914 Of 1991

Facts:

The petitioner- Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum, filed a Public Interest Litigation U/A 32 of Indian
Constitution.
Petition was filed against the large-scale pollution caused to River Palar due to the discharge of
untreated effluents by the tanneries and other industries in the State of Tamil Nadu. The water
of River Palar is the main source of drinking and bathing water for the surrounding people.
Further, the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Research Centre, Vellore found that nearly
35,000 hectares of agricultural land has become either totally or partially unfit for cultivation.
This is a leading case in which the Supreme Court critically analyzed the relationship between
environment and development.

Issue:

The question which arose for consideration before the Supreme Court was whether the tanneries
should be allowed to continue to operate at the cost of lives of lakhs of people.

Judgement:

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The Supreme Court examining the report delivered its judgment making all efforts to maintain
a harmony between environment and development.
The Court admitted that these Tanneries in India are the major foreign exchange earner and
also provides employment to several thousands of people. But at the same time, it destroys the
environment and poses a health hazard to everyone.
The court delivering its judgment in favor of petitioners directed all the Tanneries to deposit a
sum of Rs. 10,000 as fine in the office of Collector as fine
The Court further directed the State of Tamil Nadu to award Mr. M. C. Mehta with a sum of Rs.
50,000 as appreciation towards his efforts for protection of Environment.
The Court in this case also emphasized on the constitution of Green Benches in India dealing
specifically with matters relating to environment protection and also for speedy and expeditious
disposal of environmental cases.

Important Acts and laws concerned:

Public Interest Litigation

32
Sustainable Development, Precautionary Principle and Polluter Pays Principle
Sec 3(3) of EPA, 1986
Penalty Provisions of Water Act, 1974

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