PIL and Environmental Protection

Description: This quiz is designed to test your knowledge about Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and its role in Environmental Protection in India.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: pil environmental protection indian law
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What is the primary objective of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India?

  1. To protect the rights of individuals and groups

  2. To promote economic development

  3. To resolve political disputes

  4. To enforce environmental regulations


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary objective of PIL in India is to protect the rights of individuals and groups, including those related to the environment.

Which landmark case in 1985 established the locus standi of environmental groups in PIL cases?

  1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

  2. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

  3. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh

  4. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the landmark case of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1985), the Supreme Court of India recognized the locus standi of environmental groups in PIL cases, allowing them to represent the interests of the environment and seek legal remedies.

What is the significance of the 'Polluter Pays' principle in environmental protection?

  1. It holds polluters financially responsible for the environmental damage they cause

  2. It encourages industries to adopt sustainable practices

  3. It promotes public participation in environmental decision-making

  4. It strengthens the role of government agencies in environmental regulation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Polluter Pays' principle is a fundamental principle of environmental law that holds polluters financially responsible for the environmental damage they cause. It aims to deter pollution and encourage industries to adopt cleaner production methods.

Which PIL case led to the closure of hazardous industries in the ecologically sensitive Doon Valley in Uttarakhand?

  1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

  2. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh

  3. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar

  4. T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In the PIL case of Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1985), the Supreme Court ordered the closure of hazardous industries in the ecologically sensitive Doon Valley in Uttarakhand, recognizing the need to protect the environment from industrial pollution.

What is the significance of the 'Precautionary Principle' in environmental decision-making?

  1. It requires decision-makers to take preventive measures to avoid potential environmental harm

  2. It promotes the use of scientific evidence in environmental decision-making

  3. It encourages public participation in environmental decision-making

  4. It strengthens the role of government agencies in environmental regulation


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The 'Precautionary Principle' is a principle of environmental law that requires decision-makers to take preventive measures to avoid potential environmental harm, even if there is no conclusive scientific evidence of the harm.

Which PIL case led to the Supreme Court's order to ban the use of plastic bags in the state of Himachal Pradesh?

  1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

  2. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

  3. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh

  4. Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board v. State of Himachal Pradesh


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In the PIL case of Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board v. State of Himachal Pradesh (2010), the Supreme Court banned the use of plastic bags in the state of Himachal Pradesh, recognizing the harmful impact of plastic pollution on the environment.

What is the role of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in PIL cases related to environmental protection?

  1. It helps assess the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects

  2. It promotes public participation in environmental decision-making

  3. It strengthens the role of government agencies in environmental regulation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) plays a crucial role in PIL cases related to environmental protection by assessing the potential environmental impacts of proposed projects, promoting public participation in environmental decision-making, and strengthening the role of government agencies in environmental regulation.

Which PIL case led to the Supreme Court's order to clean up the Ganga River?

  1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

  2. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

  3. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh

  4. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the landmark PIL case of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1985), the Supreme Court ordered the government to take steps to clean up the Ganga River, recognizing the river's cultural and religious significance and the need to protect it from pollution.

What is the significance of the 'Public Trust Doctrine' in environmental law?

  1. It recognizes the public's right to access and use natural resources

  2. It imposes a duty on the government to protect natural resources for future generations

  3. It promotes sustainable development and conservation of natural resources

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The 'Public Trust Doctrine' is a legal principle that recognizes the public's right to access and use natural resources, imposes a duty on the government to protect natural resources for future generations, and promotes sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.

Which PIL case led to the Supreme Court's order to ban the use of firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi?

  1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

  2. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

  3. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh

  4. Arjun Gopal v. Union of India


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In the PIL case of Arjun Gopal v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court banned the use of firecrackers during Diwali in Delhi, recognizing the harmful impact of air pollution on public health.

What is the significance of the 'Sustainable Development' principle in environmental law?

  1. It promotes economic development while protecting the environment

  2. It encourages the use of renewable energy sources

  3. It promotes public participation in environmental decision-making

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The 'Sustainable Development' principle is a legal principle that promotes economic development while protecting the environment, encourages the use of renewable energy sources, and promotes public participation in environmental decision-making.

Which PIL case led to the Supreme Court's order to protect the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India?

  1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

  2. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

  3. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh

  4. T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In the PIL case of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India (2013), the Supreme Court ordered the government to take steps to protect the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India, recognizing the need to conserve ecologically sensitive areas.

What is the role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in PIL cases related to environmental protection?

  1. It is a specialized court that handles environmental cases

  2. It promotes public participation in environmental decision-making

  3. It strengthens the role of government agencies in environmental regulation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized court that handles environmental cases, promotes public participation in environmental decision-making, and strengthens the role of government agencies in environmental regulation.

Which PIL case led to the Supreme Court's order to ban the use of pesticides in agriculture?

  1. M.C. Mehta v. Union of India

  2. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation

  3. Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh

  4. Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In the PIL case of M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1985), the Supreme Court banned the use of certain pesticides in agriculture, recognizing the harmful impact of pesticides on human health and the environment.

What is the significance of the 'Right to a Healthy Environment' in environmental law?

  1. It recognizes the right of individuals to a clean and healthy environment

  2. It imposes a duty on the government to protect the environment

  3. It promotes sustainable development and conservation of natural resources

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The 'Right to a Healthy Environment' is a legal principle that recognizes the right of individuals to a clean and healthy environment, imposes a duty on the government to protect the environment, and promotes sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.

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