Preface

In the wake of increasing industrialization and corporate expansion, the delicate balance between economic development and environmental preservation has become a topic of paramount importance. The escalating incidents of environmental degradation and hazards directly attributed to corporate actions have underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive analysis of corporate criminal liability within the Indian legal framework. This book, “Corporate Criminal Liability for Environmental Hazards in India: An analysis of the existing legislative framework and a blueprint for the future,” is conceived as a timely exploration into the intricacies of corporate accountability in the face of environmental challenges.

Embarking on this academic journey, the book aims to dissect the current legislative, judicial, and regulatory mechanisms in place to combat environmental crimes committed by corporations. It endeavors to bridge the research gap by offering a meticulous examination of the relationship between corporates and the environment, underscored by an analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) towards environmental protection. Through a detailed investigation into various environmental acts and the role of the judiciary in enforcing corporate environmental liability, this work seeks to provide a holistic understanding of the landscape of environmental jurisprudence in India.

Moreover, the book is structured to address critical research questions, laying out the scope and limitations of the study while presenting a well-defined research objective. A hypothesis is posited, reflecting on the significance of this study in the broader context of environmental law and corporate governance. A comprehensive literature review sets the stage for the ensuing chapters, each dedicated to unraveling different facets of corporate environmental liability, from theoretical underpinnings to practical applications, and judicial interpretations.

By analyzing landmark cases and the evolving role of judicial bodies like the National Green Tribunal, this work highlights the pivotal moments and legal precedents that have shaped the current understanding of corporate criminal liability for environmental hazards in India. The conclusion synthesizes the findings, offering robust suggestions for strengthening the legislative framework to ensure a sustainable and environmentally conscious corporate conduct in the future.

This book is intended for legal scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and anyone interested in the confluence of corporate law, environmental ethics, and legal accountability. It is a call to action for a concerted effort towards crafting a future where economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive but are integrated into the fabric of corporate responsibility.

As we present this analysis and blueprint for the future, it is our hope that this work will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing discourse on environmental law and corporate liability, inspiring further research and advocacy in this critical area of legal scholarship.

Prof. Sreenidhi K. R.
Ms. Veena. S