An Analysis On The Development Of Natural Law: Shifting Focus From Anthropocentrism To Ecocentrism In India
Sourish M Pillai & Shreemh Agarwal, BA-LLB, Bennett University
ABSTRACT
The paper delves into the issues of environmental law and how it has been deeply influenced by natural law. It begins by tracing the development of natural law through years from the ancient era to its decline during the 19th century and the subsequent rise again over the past fifty years. It then approaches environmental law and how it has been shaped through natural law and how natural law too has been shaped by environmental considerations shifting its focus from being solely focussed on humans to focussing on environmental impact. Finally, the paper analyses judicial decisions in multiple cases and the shift within the judiciary itself with respect to anthropocentrism to ecocentrism. The paper ends with an analysis of how the fluidity of natural law allows it to draw different aspects of human life within itself giving it a higher adaptability efficiency to society’s moral fabric.
Keywords: Natural Law, Environmental Law, Environment, Anthropocentrism, Ecocentrism, Eco-centric, Sustainability, Development.
