‘Article 21 is incomplete without a safe environment’: Dhanbad Principal Judge

SUBHASH MISHRA

Dhanbad, June 5: Principal District and Sessions Judge of Dhanbad, Virendra Kumar Tiwari, emphasized that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution remains incomplete without a safe and healthy environment.

Addressing a plantation drive organized on the district court premises to mark World Environment Day, Judge Tiwari underlined the importance of clean air, pure water, and a pollution-free environment for a dignified life.

“The earth we walk upon, the air we breathe, and the water that sustains our lives are all in crisis due to environmental degradation,” said Judge Tiwari, adding that “When nature suffers, humanity too is at risk. That is why the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) is organizing plantation drives across every block of the district today.”

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Environmental Laws Should Guide Daily Conduct, Not Just Punish

Judge Tiwari stressed that environmental laws must be viewed not merely as punitive measures but as guiding principles for daily life. “Environmental protection should not just be read in books—it should be practiced every day,” he said.

He called for a change in mindset towards environmental preservation, advocating for a new kind of green revolution—one rooted in values and responsibility.

He urged people to recognize the intrinsic value of nature. “A tree must not be seen merely as timber, but as life itself. A river is not just a source of water, but a sacred lifeline. Environmental protection is not optional; it is our moral obligation,” he said.

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Pledge for Action Over Words

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the principal judge appealed to all citizens to move beyond symbolic gestures. “Let us not restrict ourselves to speeches. Let us pledge not to treat Earth as a consumable resource but as a revered mother,” he stated.

The event saw participation from Labour Judge Ramakant Mishra, Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate and DLSA Secretary Abhijeet Pandey, Registrar I.Z. Khan, Civil Judge Angelina John, DFO Vikas Paliwal, and LADCS Deputy Chief Ajay Kumar Bhatt, along with other dignitaries including Arun Kumar, Rajesh Singh, and Hemraj Chauhan.