Preservation of vital ecological conditions is a matter that should fall under Article 21's protection, according to Justice Surya Kant.

In a significant move towards ensuring justice and governance, Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant addressed a conference in Thiruvananthapuram. The event, organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA), marked the launch of the Compendium on Human-Wildlife Conflict, and the NALSA Scheme on Access to Justice for Victims of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), 2025.

Justice Kant emphasised that the conference was not just about addressing human-wildlife conflict as an environmental issue, but also as a matter of justice and governance. He noted that victims of such conflicts are often unaware of their legal rights and entitlements.

The NALSA Scheme, aimed at providing free legal aid, awareness, and timely assistance to affected families, particularly marginalised groups such as tribals, was officially launched at the conference. The program also focuses on promoting ecological balance, wildlife preservation, and harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Justice Kant stressed the need to focus on victims of human-wildlife conflict, particularly those from marginalised communities. He underscored the importance of ecological justice, which balances human rights with the need for conservation of ecology.

The conference aimed to address the growing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala. The judiciary, particularly the Green Bench of the Supreme Court, has been instrumental in ensuring that developmental pursuits do not negatively impact the nation's flora and fauna.

Justice Kant stated that Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, also extends to the preservation of ecological conditions essential for sustaining life. He emphasized that justice cannot be allowed to function selectively, neither in what it stands for nor in how it is applied.

In addition to the NALSA Scheme, the conference also saw the introduction of the NALSA SPRUHA (Supporting Potential and Resilience of the Unseen, Held-back and Affected) Scheme, 2025, to support dependents of incarcerated persons and victims of crime.

The event was attended by Supreme Court and High Court judges, further underscoring the importance placed on addressing human-wildlife conflict and ensuring justice for its victims. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife, while upholding the principles of justice and governance.

Preservation of vital ecological conditions is a matter that should fall under Article 21's protection, according to Justice Surya Kant.