Public Trust Doctrine

Category: Indian Polity | Environmental Law | Supreme Court Judgments

UPSC Notes

The Public Trust Doctrine is a legal principle under which the state holds certain natural resources in trust for public use and environmental protection. The government is expected to safeguard these resources rather than permit their arbitrary appropriation or destruction for private benefit.

The doctrine has been applied by Indian courts to natural resources such as rivers, forests, lakes and coastal areas.

Key Pointers

  • Core principle: The state acts as trustee of important natural resources.

  • Public interests protected: Ecological integrity, public access and sustainable use.

  • Important Indian case: M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997).

  • Case significance: The Supreme Court applied the doctrine in relation to the protection of the environment and natural resources.

  • Legal connection: Article 21, the right to life, has been interpreted to include environmental dimensions; Article 48A directs the state to protect and improve the environment.

  • Article 51A(g): Establishes a fundamental duty of citizens to protect the natural environment.

  • Practical relevance: Prevents environmentally harmful decisions that disregard public and ecological interests.

Mains angle: The doctrine strengthens environmental accountability and limits the arbitrary transfer or degradation of resources held for public benefit.