Event Title: Virtual Panel Discussion on
Landmark Climate Change Judgments
Organized by: Research Committee, Vinayaka
Mission’s Law School (VMLS)
Introduction
The Research Committee of Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS)
organized a virtual panel discussion on recent landmark judgments
by the Supreme Court of India and the European Court of Human
Rights (ECHR). The discussion focused on two significant cases:
M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (The Great Indian Bustard case)
and Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland
(KlimaSeniorinnen). These judgments hold immense importance in the
legal landscape of climate change.
Panelists and Moderators
The panel comprised the following experts:
- Loes van Dijk: Founder, Climate Court
-
Prayank Jain: International Legal and Climate
Expert, SED Fund
-
Kanika J.: Doctoral Candidate at the Faculty of
Law, National University of Singapore
-
Shashi Kant Yadav: Doctoral Researcher (Law),
University of Surrey
The discussion was moderated by:
- Shambhavi T.: Assistant Professor, VMLS
-
Ananyo Mitra: Assistant Professor and Assistant
Dean - Research, VMLS
Overview of the Judgments
M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (The Great Indian Bustard case):
This case addressed the critical issue of protecting the
endangered Great Indian Bustard. The Supreme Court of India
delivered a judgment that emphasized the need for immediate and
stringent measures to conserve this species and its habitat. Key
points discussed included:
-
The legal obligations of the Indian government under national
and international law to protect endangered species.
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The role of environmental impact assessments in preventing
habitat destruction.
-
The broader implications of the judgment for wildlife
conservation in India.
Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland
(KlimaSeniorinnen):
The ECHR’s judgment in this case underscored the responsibility of
governments to address climate change and its impacts on
vulnerable populations. The discussion highlighted:
-
The court’s recognition of the direct impact of climate change
on human rights, particularly the rights of elderly women.
-
The significance of this ruling in holding governments
accountable for their climate policies.
-
The potential influence of this judgment on future climate
litigation in Europe and globally.
Interactive Session
The panel discussion was followed by an interactive session where
participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage with
the panelists. This segment fostered a lively exchange of ideas
and allowed for deeper exploration of the topics covered.
Conclusion
The virtual panel discussion provided valuable insights into the
landmark judgments on climate change by the Supreme Court of India
and the ECHR. The Research Committee of VMLS extends its gratitude
to the distinguished panelists, moderators, and participants for
their contributions to a successful and enlightening event.
