Consider the following statements regarding the shift in environmental liability in India post-Bhopal: 1. The concept of 'polluter pays' was introduced, holding polluters accountable for environmental damage. 2. Environmental laws were significantly relaxed to encourage economic recovery. 3. The courts began to interpret the Right to a healthy environment as intrinsic to the Fundamental Right to Life. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) served as a watershed moment in Indian environmental jurisprudence. It necessitated a shift from a negligence-based liability regime to strict and absolute liability, alongside the constitutional recognition of environmental rights within the Fundamental Rights framework. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Indian judiciary, particularly through the Supreme Court, introduced the 'Polluter Pays' principle and the doctrine of 'Absolute Liability' (notably in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 1987). This principle mandates that enterprises engaged in hazardous or inherently dangerous activities are liable to compensate for any harm caused, without exceptions or defenses based on negligence. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Following the tragedy, the legislative framework was strengthened, not relaxed. The Parliament enacted the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 under Article 253 to provide a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection and to plug gaps in existing laws. - Statement 3 is Correct: The Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). In landmark judgments such as Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the Court declared that the Right to Life includes the right to a wholesome environment, including pollution-free water and air. Key Takeaway: The post-Bhopal era marked the transition to Absolute Liability for hazardous industries and the judicial integration of the right to a clean environment as an intrinsic part of the Fundamental Right to Life (Article 21).

NCERT Class 8 Political Science — Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

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Consider the following statements regarding the shift in environmental liability in India post-Bhopal:

The concept of 'polluter pays' was introduced, holding polluters accountable for environmental damage.
Environmental laws were significantly relaxed to encourage economic recovery.
The courts began to interpret the Right to a healthy environment as intrinsic to the Fundamental Right to Life.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) served as a watershed moment in Indian environmental jurisprudence. It necessitated a shift from a negligence-based liability regime to strict and absolute liability, alongside the constitutional recognition of environmental rights within the Fundamental Rights framework.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Indian judiciary, particularly through the Supreme Court, introduced the 'Polluter Pays' principle and the doctrine of 'Absolute Liability' (notably in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 1987). This principle mandates that enterprises engaged in hazardous or inherently dangerous activities are liable to compensate for any harm caused, without exceptions or defenses based on negligence.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Following the tragedy, the legislative framework was strengthened, not relaxed. The Parliament enacted the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 under Article 253 to provide a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection and to plug gaps in existing laws.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). In landmark judgments such as Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the Court declared that the Right to Life includes the right to a wholesome environment, including pollution-free water and air.

Key Takeaway: The post-Bhopal era marked the transition to Absolute Liability for hazardous industries and the judicial integration of the right to a clean environment as an intrinsic part of the Fundamental Right to Life (Article 21).

Your note

More from Chapter 6: Law and Social Justice

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With reference to the concept of 'Minimum Wages' in India, consider the following 1. The primary objective of the minimum wage law is to ensure that workers are not underpaid by their employers. 2. Once set, the minimum wages remain fixed for a period of ten years to ensure stability. 3. This law is intended to protect the interests of various types of workers, including farm labourers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the role of Workers' Unions, consider the following statements: 1. They allow workers to use combined power to demand better working conditions. 2. They are strictly prohibited by law in the informal sector such as domestic work. 3. They facilitate bargaining for fair wages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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In the framework of governmental functions, which term refers to ensuring that laws enacted by the legislature are implemented and complied with?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Indian judiciary, particularly through the Supreme Court, introduced the 'Polluter Pays' principle and the doctrine of 'Absolute Liability' (notably in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 1987). This principle mandates that enterprises engaged in hazardous or inherently dangerous activities are liable to compensate for any harm caused, without exceptions or defenses based on negligence.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Following the tragedy, the legislative framework was strengthened, not relaxed. The Parliament enacted the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 under Article 253 to provide a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection and to plug gaps in existing laws.
Statement 3 is Correct: The Supreme Court expanded the interpretation of Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty). In landmark judgments such as Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar (1991), the Court declared that the Right to Life includes the right to a wholesome environment, including pollution-free water and air.