Constitutional text

The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.

Source: Constitution of India, as published by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

History and context

Article 48A was inserted by the 42nd Amendment in 1976, shortly after the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment (1972) created global momentum for environmental protection. It was paired with Article 51A(g), which imposed a corresponding duty on citizens to protect the environment. The pair was India's constitutional response to the emerging global recognition that environmental degradation posed an existential risk. The same amendment period saw the enactment of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974. The Forest Conservation Act 1980, the Environment Protection Act 1986, and the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 all draw constitutional authority from Article 48A.

Amendments

  • 42nd Amendment (1976) — Inserted Article 48A directing the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.

Key Supreme Court cases

M. C. Mehta v. Union of India (Ganga Pollution case) (1988)

Supreme Court directed closure and relocation of tanneries and other industries polluting the Ganga, holding that Article 48A read with Article 21 imposes a duty on the state to prevent environmental degradation.

T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (1997)

Supreme Court took ongoing supervisory jurisdiction over forest conservation across India, expanding the definition of 'forest' and tightening compliance with the Forest Conservation Act under Article 48A.

Related articles

Last reviewed: 3 July 2026