The use of legal mechanism as a tool produced various means and ends for addressing environmental injuries. Based on strategic issues, PIL aimed to generate awareness amongst the common people and relevant actors for the development of a realistic regulatory framework and parochial environmental jurisprudence.
Following a BELA case, the concept of PIL was recognized by the judiciary that has enabled millions of voiceless to access the formal justice system.
BELA has since filed more than 250 cases on environmental issues. The cases involve a wide range of issues including river pollution, industrial pollution, vehicular pollution, labor welfare, compensation for losses inflicted by development projects, encroachment and derogation of important wetlands, relocation of industries, prevention of hill cutting, conservation of forests, defending forest rights, fishermen’s rights & farmers rights amongst others.
Some notable petitions, orders and judgments can be accessed from the following links:
