Exploring Environmental Protection and Animal Rights in Indian Constitution

1. What does Article 51A(g) of the Constitution state?

Article 51A(g) places a fundamental duty on every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment—including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife—and to show compassion for all living creatures.

2. How does Article 21 relate to animal rights?

Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty. Judicial interpretations have expanded the scope of “life” to include the right to a clean and healthy environment and to recognize the intrinsic value of all forms of life, including animals.

3. What are first, second, and third-generation rights?

• First-generation rights: Civil and political rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and freedom from slavery.
• Second-generation rights: Economic, social, and cultural rights, including access to education, healthcare, and social security.
• Third-generation rights: Collective rights, such as the right to self-determination, development, and a healthy environment.

4. What are fourth-generation rights?

Fourth-generation rights aim to extend legal and moral consideration to animals, recognising their intrinsic value and right to live free from suffering—irrespective of their utility to humans. These rights reflect a shift towards compassion-based and ecocentric legal frameworks.

5. What is the Delhi High Court’s recent stand on stray dogs?

The Delhi High Court described dogs as “the most loved animals” and directed authorities to ensure that stray dogs are treated with dignity, emphasizing humane treatment and coexistence rather than cruelty or neglect.

6. What did the Supreme Court recently rule regarding stray dogs?

In a case concerning stray dog attacks on children, the Supreme Court ordered that aggressive or dangerous dogs be relocated from residential areas. It also warned of strict action against individuals or organisations obstructing these measures. The ruling clarified that adoption of stray dogs, in this context, is not permitted.

7. Why is the concept of animal rights significant in law?

The growing recognition of animal rights challenges human-centric legal perspectives and encourages ethical and legal obligations toward all sentient beings. It represents a step toward creating a compassionate and sustainable coexistence between humans and animals.