Goa, March 18 -- On Monday, the Supreme Court determined that the right to a clean environment is a fundamental right protected by the Indian Constitution, while also affirming that the right to development through industrialization is of equal importance. The court emphasized the necessity for sustainable development that reconciles these two rights, achieving a "golden balance" between environmental conservation and economic advancement.

The bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and P.B. Varale, stated, "Although the right to a clean environment is a fundamental right guaranteed under Articles 14 (equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution of India, the right to development through industrialization also holds significan...