सचिदानंद पांडेय बनाम पश्चिम बंगाल राज्य
| Citation | (1987) 2 SCC 295 |
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Date | 11 February 1987 |
| Year | 1987 |
| Bench | O. Chinnappa Reddy, V. Khalid JJ. |
| Acts/Articles | Article 48A, Article 51A(g) |
| Category | Constitutional Law, Environmental Law |
Key Principle Established
Courts should give due regard to environmental protection. When government takes a conscious decision aware of environmental implications, courts will not interfere unless mala fides proved.
The case challenged administrative action involving environmental concerns related to a hotel project near wetlands in Calcutta.
The Court held that whenever environmental issues arise, courts must give due regard to Directive Principles (Article 48A) and Fundamental Duty (Article 51A(g)). However, if the government is aware of environmental problems and takes a conscious decision, the court will not interfere unless mala fides or prejudice to public is established.
This was an early environmental law landmark that began with a beautiful quotation of the 1854 speech of Chief Seattle on environmental wisdom. It established the framework for judicial review of environmental decisions.
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Read AnalysisThis judgment summary is for educational and research purposes. While care has been taken to accurately represent the ratio and findings, for authoritative reference always consult the original judgment text from official sources (SCC Online, AIR, Manupatra, or court websites).
22+ years of practice before Punjab & Haryana High Court and Supreme Court of India.