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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2 (2026)
The evolution of Nature’s legal rights as Earth Jurisprudence: A Global and Indian judicial perspective
Authors
Jatin Chaudhary
Abstract
Earth Jurisprudence and Legal Rights of Nature
are concepts that keep continuously expanding and emerging as our perceptions
about the surrounding world evolve. The paper examines the evolution of these
notions starting with their philosophical origins and spreading to decisions of
the courts worldwide, and specifically, in India. It follows the transformation
in the contemporary legal thought, where nature was seen as property, to be
used by the human being, to a perspective where nature is a living creature,
and it has its rights. The paper gives instances of other nations such as
Ecuador, Bolivia, and New Zealand where nature has been legally recognized as a
person, and contrasts them with judicial developments in India, especially the
legal personhood of rivers in Uttarakhand High Court. It further puts in doubt
the fact that these future judgments are actually being imprinted or whether
they are mostly symbolic. The paper eventually recommends the necessity of
stronger institutions, community involvement and change of legal mindset to
make the right of nature practical and living principles in which all beings
are subjects (not only human beings) to.
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Pages:40-45
How to cite this article:
Jatin Chaudhary "The evolution of Nature’s legal rights as Earth Jurisprudence: A Global and Indian judicial perspective ". International Journal of Law, Policy and Social Review, Vol 8, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 40-45
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