The Public Trust Doctrine In India: A Constitutional And Environmental Perspective
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 19
- 1 min read
Dr. N.P. Verma, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj
ABSTRACT
The Public Trust Doctrine (PTD) has emerged as a vital environmental and constitutional principle in India, ensuring the protection and preservation of natural resources for public use. Rooted in ancient Indian traditions and reinforced by judicial activism, PTD imposes an obligation on the state to act as a trustee of natural resources. This piece explores the development, legal framework, judicial interpretations, and the role of PTD in contemporary environmental governance in India. A legal notion known as the “public trust doctrine” maintains that some natural resources, including forests, wildlife, water, and air, is part of the public trust. According to this theory, the government must safeguard these resources for general public's benefit and forbid using them for personal benefit. It guarantees that everyone has access to essential resources, which benefits society as a whole.
