Supreme Court Rules CSR as Enforceable Obligation for Environmental Protection and Wildlife Conservation
A Supreme Court Bench has reframed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as an enforceable constitutional and legal obligation rather than a discretionary act. The judgment links CSR to Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, stating that corporations, as legal persons, share the duty to protect the environment. This ruling strengthens the legal basis for demanding corporate financing for projects to recover species endangered by corporate activities, specifically the Great Indian Bustard. The Court's order aims to balance renewable energy infrastructure development with the protection of critical habitats through the undergrounding of power lines.
Key Points
- CSR is now viewed as an enforceable constitutional obligation under Article 51A(g) rather than charity.
- The ruling specifically addresses the protection of the Great Indian Bustard from power infrastructure risks.
- Corporations are recognized as legal persons with shared duties toward environmental protection measures.
- The judgment facilitates project-linked financing for habitat restoration and species recovery in priority areas.
Exam Facts
- Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution (Fundamental Duty to protect the environment).
- Supreme Court judgment dated December 19 regarding CSR and Great Indian Bustards.
- Companies Act provisions for CSR are now read as mandatory environmental responsibilities.
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