Unveiling the Patterns: Environmental Law Previous Year Questions for UPSC Law Optional

This Post covers all UPSC Previous year questions (1990-2023) relating to Environmental Law and is categorized in a year-wise manner. 

MAJOR STATUTES CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL LAW (CONTEMPORARY LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS)

1990,1991,1992,1993,1994,1995,1996,1997,1998 (NO QUESTIONS)

1999

1. Explain the Nature, Scope, and extent of the Liability of the Polluter for environmental torts in the light of the Polluter pays Principle as developed in recent Supreme Court decisions. [Refer to Q.No:4(b) Section - A)]

2000,2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006,2007 (NO QUESTIONS)

2008

2. The "Precautionary Principle" and the "Polluter Pays Principle" are the parts of the environmental law of this Country. Explain in the Light of decided cases. [Refer to Q.No:7(b) Section - B)]

2009 (NO QUESTIONS)

2010

3. Public Interest Litigation has been a significant tool in protecting the environment. Discuss with the help of cases. [Refer to Q.No:6(b) Section - B)] 30 Marks

2011

4. "The Rise of Environmental Crimes in Spite of Environmental Litigations is due to absence of adequate punitive methods of Sentencing." [Refer to Q.No:7(b) Section - B)] 30 Marks

2012 (NO QUESTIONS)

2013 

5. Corporates causing havoc to the wildlife existing on seashores is an extreme type of environmental crime and laws are almost non-existent to deal with them directly. Discuss.  [Refer to Q.No:8(b) Section - B)] 25 Marks

2014

6. The Doctrine of "Public Trust" as propounded by the Supreme Court has worked as an instrument for protection of Environment in India. Discuss [Refer to Q.No:7(b) Section - B)] 15 Marks

2015 

7. Write a Note on the 'Impact of Noise Pollution on the Health of the People.' [Refer to Q.No:5(d) Section - B)] 10 Marks

2016 (NO QUESTIONS)

2017

8. Discuss the Constitution, jurisdiction, powers, and authority of the National Green Tribunal. How far has it been successful in achieving its objectives? Explain with the help of recent cases. [Refer to Q.No:6(a) Section - B)] 20 marks

9. 'Public Interest Litigation has played a very crucial role in protection of environment in India." Elucidate and Illustrate with the help of decided cases. [Refer to Q.No:7(b) Section - B)] 15 marks

2018

10. 'Sustainable development' has been accepted as a balancing concept between ecology and development. Discuss the Recognition and Application of this Principle under the laws relating to environmental protection in India. [Refer to Q.No:6(c) Section - B)] 15 Marks

2019

11. "The National Green Tribunal, which was established for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and Conservation of Forests and Other natural resources, has played a Pivotal role in the recent past in this regard." Examine the Statement with Reference to pronouncements given by the National Green Tribunal.  [Refer to Q.No:6(b) Section - B)] 15 Marks

2020

12. Discuss the access and benefit sharing (ASS) law provided under the Biodiversity Conservation Act, 2002 with special reference to adjudication of biodiversity disputes and jurisdiction of the National Green Tribunal. [Refer to Q.No:5(b) Section - B)] 10 Marks

13. "The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is an umbrella legislation to not only protect and improve the environment but to prevent and control of  pollution." Comment and analyze. [Refer to Q.No:8(c) Section - B)] 15 Marks

2021

14. India's 40-year-old 'Air Act', 1981, languishes in the present circumstances of Air Pollution emergency in Delhi - National Capital Region. Comment on the effectiveness of law in the light of judicial and administrative mechanisms. [Refer to Q.No:5(d) Section - B)] 10 Marks

2022

15. Discuss the implications of the High-Level Committee (known as T. S. R. Subramanian Committee) Report, 2014 for review of Environment-related laws in India. [Refer to Q.No:5(c) Section - B)] 10 Marks

2023

16. What kind of cases are heard by the 'National Green Tribunal'? How it is different from the Central Pollution Control Board.

OTHER TOPICS QUESTIONS

1. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

2. PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION

3. CONSTITUTION AND CONSTITUTIONALISM