VELLORE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT MONITORING COMMITTEE [APPELLANT(S)] Vs. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, VELLORE DISTRICT & OTHERS [RESPONDENT(S)]
CIVIL APPEAL NOS. OF 2025
(2JB, J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan JJ., delivered by R.MAHADEVAN, J.)
The Supreme Court has laid down comprehensive guidelines to address the severe environmental pollution caused by tanneries in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district. The Court recognized the irreversible damage inflicted upon the River Palar, groundwater, and agricultural lands due to the discharge of untreated effluents. The bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan held both the polluters and the government accountable for environmental degradation, directing them to compensate affected individuals and take remedial action.
Vellore district, situated along the River Palar, has a long history of tannery operations, which form the backbone of the local economy. The tanning process involves extensive water usage and various chemicals, resulting in highly polluted wastewater containing hazardous substances such as suspended solids, nitrogen, sulphate, chloride, and heavy metals like chromium. For over a century, these tanneries operated with little to no pollution control, with efforts at wastewater treatment beginning only in the 1980s.
The environmental crisis reached a critical point when the Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 1991, highlighting the threat posed by industrial pollution to the River Palar and local communities. The Supreme Court subsequently directed the Central Government to establish an authority under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, leading to the creation of the Loss of Ecology (Prevention and Payment of Compensation) Authority (LoEA). In 2001, LoEA identified 29,193 affected individuals across 186 villages and ordered compensation of ₹26.82 crores for damages suffered between 1991 and 1998. The liability of polluting industries was also deemed to extend beyond this period until full environmental restoration was achieved.
The Supreme Court analyzed the persistent environmental violations and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding fundamental rights, particularly the Right to a Healthy Environment. It noted that pollution has led to severe health issues, including respiratory and skin diseases, and has devastated the livelihoods of farmers and fishermen. The Court also took note of excessive sand mining in the region, which has worsened ecological damage by depleting groundwater and accelerating soil erosion.
Applying the Polluter Pays Principle, the Court ruled that industries responsible for pollution must not only compensate affected communities but also bear the cost of environmental restoration. It emphasized that pollution control is a continuous process, requiring sustained efforts rather than one-time penalties. The Government Pay Principle was also introduced, holding authorities accountable for regulatory failures in preventing pollution.
Additionally, the Court acknowledged the concept of Ecocide, defining it as severe environmental destruction caused with knowledge of its harmful consequences. Given the extent of pollution in Vellore, the Court suggested that such damage could be classified under Ecocide, underscoring the urgency of immediate corrective measures.
The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the urgent need for comprehensive environmental governance in Vellore district. By holding both industries and government authorities accountable, the Court has reinforced the principles of sustainable development and environmental justice. The directives aim to restore the River Palar ecosystem, safeguard public health, and ensure long-term regulatory compliance, marking a significant step in India’s fight against industrial pollution.
