In Re: 2 Million Lives at Risk – Jojari River Contamination

This suo motu environmental matter addresses large-scale contamination of the Jojari River in Rajasthan, affecting over two million residents. The Supreme Court examined industrial pollution, failure of statutory regulators, and prolonged governmental inaction. Scientific reports indicated severe contamination from untreated industrial effluents, posing life-threatening risks. The Court held that the right to clean water and a healthy environment forms an integral part of Article 21. Strong directions were issued: immediate scientific remediation, fixing accountability on errant industries, formation of an expert committee, and continuous monitoring. The judgment strengthened the polluter-pays principle and criticised the State for failing to prevent long-term ecological degradation.