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International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management

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ISSN: 3108-1754 (Online)
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Volume 02, Issue 05

Published on: May 2026

CLIMATE CHANGE LITIGATION AND FOREST PROTECTION IN INDIA: EMERGING JURISPRUDENCE

Rahul Debnath

Dr. Raghunath Chakraborty

Faculty of Law, ICFAI University Tripura, Kamalghat, India

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Plagiarism Passed Peer Reviewed Open Access

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Abstract

Climate change has become one of the most urgent global environmental issues, profoundly impacting forests, biodiversity, and ecological balance. In India, forests are vital for climate regulation, carbon storage, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on them. Nevertheless, rising deforestation, industrial growth, mining activities, infrastructure projects, and ecological deterioration have heightened climate vulnerabilities. In response, climate change litigation has emerged as a significant tool for environmental governance and forest conservation. Indian courts, especially the Supreme Court and High Courts, have crafted a dynamic body of environmental law by interpreting constitutional provisions, environmental legislation, and international environmental standards. This article explores the developing jurisprudence concerning climate change litigation and forest conservation in India. It examines constitutional underpinnings, statutory frameworks, judicial actions, landmark rulings, and the judiciary's evolving role in reconciling developmental goals with ecological sustainability. Additionally, the article assesses the challenges in implementation and proposes reforms to enhance climate-responsive forest governance.

How to Cite this Paper

Debnath, R. (2026). Climate Change Litigation and Forest Protection in India: Emerging Jurisprudence. International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, <i>02</i>(05). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i5.417

Debnath, Rahul. "Climate Change Litigation and Forest Protection in India: Emerging Jurisprudence." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 02, no. 05, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i5.417.

Debnath, Rahul. "Climate Change Litigation and Forest Protection in India: Emerging Jurisprudence." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management 02, no. 05 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i5.417.

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References

[1] Dubash, N. K. (Ed.). (2019). India in a warming world: Integrating climate change and development. Oxford University Press.

[2] Divan, S., & Rosencranz, A. (2001). Environmental law and policy in India: Cases, materials and statutes (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

[3] Rajamani, L. (2007). Differential treatment in international environmental law. Oxford University Press.

[4] Ramaswamy Iyer, R. (2017). Living with the rivers: India’s need for a sustainable water policy. HarperCollins.

[5] Baxi, U. (1986). Taking suffering seriously: Social action litigation in the Supreme Court of India. Third World Legal Studies, 4(1), 107–132.

[6] Gill, G. N. (2016). Environmental justice in India: The National Green Tribunal and expert members. Transnational Environmental Law, 5(1), 175–205.

[7] Peel, J., & Osofsky, H. M. (2020). Climate change litigation. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 16, 21–38.

[8] Preston, B. J. (2011). The role of the judiciary in promoting sustainable development. Journal of Environmental Law, 23(2), 189–214.

[9] Biological Diversity Act, 2002, No. 18, Acts of Parliament, 2003 (India).

[10] Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, No. 29, Acts of Parliament, 1986 (India).

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  • All submissions are screened under plagiarism detection.
  • Review follows editorial policy.
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  • Peer Review Type: Double-Blind Peer Review
  • Published on: May 14 2026
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