M K Ranjitsinh v Union of India: Climate Litigation as a Game-Changer to Place Human Concerns at the Core of Climate Crisis in India

Abstract The profound impact of human-induced climate changes on the enjoyment of various human rights is well acknowledged. On 21 March 2024, the Indian Supreme Court recognised that individuals have the ‘right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change’. The Court traced this right to the guaranteed constitutional principles under Article 21 (right to life) and Article 14 (right to equality). With this judgment, India joined a select group of nations which has recognised specific human rights in the context of climate change. This case note briefly summarises the decision of the Supreme Court, followed by an analysis of the impact of this case on furthering the climate change jurisprudence in India by linking human rights and climate change.