Home / Environment / Supreme Court: Environment IS Corporate Duty
Supreme Court: Environment IS Corporate Duty
19 Dec
Summary
- Corporate social responsibility now legally includes environmental protection.
- Companies have a constitutional duty to protect natural environments and wildlife.
- CSR funds must be used for conservation, not just charity.
- Polluter pays principle applies to companies damaging endangered species habitats.
The Supreme Court on December 19, 2025, declared that corporate social responsibility (CSR) inherently encompasses environmental responsibility. The court's ruling establishes that corporations, as legal entities and societal organs, have a fundamental duty to protect the environment, evolving from a sole focus on shareholders to safeguarding the broader ecosystem.
This landmark judgment applies Article 51A(g) of the Constitution to companies, imposing a duty to protect nature and its creatures. The Court clarified that allocating CSR funds for environmental protection is a constitutional obligation, not an act of voluntary charity. The "polluter pays" principle was reinforced, mandating that corporations whose activities threaten endangered species' habitats must bear the costs of conservation.
Specific directives were issued concerning the Great Indian Bustard, mandating revised priority conservation areas in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Companies operating near these habitats were reminded of their shared responsibility for the environment. The Court ordered the immediate implementation of conservation measures and long-term studies on climate change impacts, underscoring the paramount importance of protecting endangered species.
