ANIMAL RIGHTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES

Abstract

By virtue of Article 48-A, the Indian Constitution enjoins upon the State to protect and improve the environment and to protect forests and wildlife, clearly showing concern for environmental protection. Article 51A(g) additionally reiterates the people's duty to have compassion for all forms of life, including animals, and protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures. The Indian judiciary has been instrumental in interpreting such constitutional provisions and broadening the horizons of environmental protection and animal rights through public interest litigations and landmark judgements(Wahi, 2022).