Environmental justice part of social justice: Former SC judge Abhay S Oka

Former Supreme Court Judge Abhay S Oka on Thursday said that environmental justice, which was elevated to a higher pedestal by the constitutional courts, included the key aspect of social justice.

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“It is my privilege to address this gathering on a very important subject, the environment, which is dear to me. As a judge of the Bombay High Court, Karnataka High Court, and Supreme Court, I was lucky enough to deal with many environmental matters," the former judge said in his address at the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025.

He said environmental justice had been elevated to a higher pedestal by the country’s constitutional courts.

"When we talk about environmental justice, social justice inevitably comes into the picture. Protection of the environment is not only necessary for preserving natural resources available on planet Earth, but more importantly, it is essential for human beings to lead a healthy, constructive, and meaningful life. If we are not able to preserve our environment and protect it from degradation, we are doing an injustice to society at large," Justice Oka said.

He continued, "That is where social justice comes into the picture. One classic example is Delhi. Every year, from December to February, we are hit by massive air pollution. Most of the people present here today can afford air purifiers at home, but the majority of Delhi's population living in shanties or working on the streets can't afford air purifiers.”

The former top court judge said environmental justice must be construed as a part of social justice guaranteed under the Constitution.