Published on: May 2026
CLIMATE CHANGE LITIGATION AND FOREST PROTECTION IN INDIA: EMERGING JURISPRUDENCE
Rahul Debnath
Dr. Raghunath Chakraborty
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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.
References
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[7] Peel, J., & Osofsky, H. M. (2020). Climate change litigation. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 16, 21–38.
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[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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- •Published on: May 14 2026
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