CLAT PG Environmental Law 2026 - Preparation Tips, Topics, Books

The Environmental Law is a critical framework designed to regulate human activities to protect the environment, ensure sustainable development and promote a balance between ecological preservation and economic growth. Its importance ca be underscored from multiple perspectives. Environmental law plays a fundamental role in safeguarding natural resources, including air, water, soil, flora and fauna. Through various statutes and regulations, it aims to prevent the over-exploitation and degradation of these resources, ensuring that they are available for future generations. For example , the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, of 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, are of paramount importance in controlling pollution and preserving the quality of these essential resources.

Environmental Law

The direct correlation between environmental degradation and public health is a critical reason for the existence of environmental laws. Contaminated water, air pollution and hazardous waste have significant adverse effects on human health, leading to diseases and morality. Environmental regulations help mitigate these risks by setting standards and enforcing compliance, thus protecting public health. The Environmental Protection Act, 1986, for example, provides a comprehensive framework to address various environmental issues that directly impact human well-being. As environmental challenges continue to evolve, robust environmental laws and their effective enforcement will remain crucial in safeguarding transparency and accountability in environmental governance.

Importance of Environmental Law for CLAT PG 2026

Environmental Law is crucial for CLAT PG exam aspirants as it encompasses significant legal principles, landmark judgements and statutory frameworks integral to contemporary legal practice. Therefore, understanding this field equips candidates with the knowledge to address pressing environmental issues, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability in legal contexts. So, mastery of environmental law demonstrates a candidate’s readiness to engage with complex legal challenges, align with global environmental standards and advocate for ecological preservation. Additionally, this knowledge is essential for careers in environmental advocacy, policy-making, and litigation, aligning with the broader objectives of social justice and sustainable development.
Preparation Strategy For Environmental Law CLAT PG 2026.

1. Syllabus: It is very important to get a clear understanding of the topics covered under environmental law in the CLAT PG syllabus. You must majorly focus on certain common topics such as:

• Constitutional provisions related to the environment [Articles 48A and 51A(g)]

• Environmental Protection Act, 1986.

• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

• Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.

• Landmark Judgements and important case laws in environmental law.
  
  

2. Refer to CLAT PG Study Material: Gather all the study material and reference sources collectively, for a much better availability of resources while you prepare for the exam.

• CLAT PG Books - Here is the list of CLAT PG Books for Environmental Law 2026.

  • “Environmental Law” by Dr. P.S. Jaswal and Dr. Nishtha Jaswal.

  • “Environmental Law in India” by P. Leelakrishnan.

  • “Textbook on Environmental Law” by Dr. J.J.R. Upadhyaya.

• Bare Acts - It is advisable that you thoroughly read the bare acts related to environmental laws and pay special attention to important sections and their applications.

• Online Sources - You may also utilize online resources and websites for updated information and case laws. These can be SSC Online, Manupatra and others can be valuable for accessing case laws and journal articles.

• CLAT PG Question Papers - One should solve CLAT PG previous years question papers to get an idea of the types of questions and the level of difficulty that can be asked on the D day ie. Exam day.

3. Study Plan: Further, you may create a study plan wherein you allocate specific time slots for each topic and make sure to cover all important legislations and landmark judgements. Also, make concise notes and summaries of each topic, highlighting the key points, important sections and landmark judgements. However, it is also very crucial to focus on judicial pronouncements and case laws where you must be thorough with the facts and legal principles involved in it and the final ruling. Aforementioned is the list of some case laws that you might come across your preparation and they also stand as the fundamental case studies for the subject of environmental law:

• M.C. Mehta v. Union of India.

• Vellore Citizens' Welfare Forum v. Union of India.

• Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India.

• T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India.

• Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar.
  
  

Once you’re done with one-time read of the subject thoroughly, you must regularly revise the topics you have studied to ensure retention. You may also make use of flashcards or mind-mapping techniques for quick revision. Mock tests not only give you a chance to assess your preparation but also helps in analysing your performance and work on weak areas.

4. Application: A practical application of the material you have studied is very essential. Read and analyse recent judgements from the Supreme Court and high courts related to environmental issues to understand the evolving jurisprudence. Stay updated with current developments in environmental law through newspapers, legal journals and online platforms.

5. Legal writing and interpretation: It is also advisable that you must practice writing essays or short notes on environmental law topics, focusing on structuring your answers clearly and concisely. Further, work on interpreting statutes and understanding their applications in various scenarios.

Preparation Strategy for Environmental Law CLAT PG 2026

Environmental Law, when studying from the exam’s point of view of CLAT PG, it’s essential to focus on a range of topics that cover fundamental principles, significant legislations, landmark judgments and contemporary issues.

Constitutional Provisions

Certain core constitutional provisions govern environmental laws. Article 48A and Article 51A(g) that states the Duty of the State and citizens to protect and improve the environment. Adding to this, there is Right to a healthy environment as a part of the Right to Life under Article 21.

Key Environmental Legislations

• Environmental Protection Act, 1986: This is the general framework for environmental regulation and protection.

• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: This legislation focuses on regulation and control of air pollution.

• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974: This legislation and control of water pollution.

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: This governs the conservation of wildlife and their habitats.

• Forest Conservation Act, 1980: Similarly, this legislation also includes conservation of forests and regulation or deforestation.

• National Green Tribunal Act, 2010: The foundation of the National Green Tribunal was done for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection. It can take suo motu action on some environmental bugging cases.

Principles of Environmental Law CLAT PG 2026

• Sustainable development: Balancing development with environmental protection.

• Polluter pays principle: Holding polluters financially responsible for the damage they cause.

• Precautionary Principle: Taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty.

• Public Trust Doctrine: The state’s duty to protect natural resources for public use.

• Intergenerational Equity: It ensures the rights of future generations to a healthy environment.

• Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) - In this particular topic you must pay attention to the legal framework and procedure for conducting EIA’s. further, also study about the role of public participation in the EIA process.

• Biodiversity, Conservation and Climate Change Laws - In this, focus on laws and policies for the conservation of biodiversity along with the role of The Biodiversity Act, 2002. The International agreements like the Paris Agreement and the National Policies and laws addressing climate change and carbon emissions are a must read with regards to the Climate Change Laws.

• Waste Management and Regulatory Bodies - The Waste Management has a legal framework for the management and disposal of solid, hazardous and electronic waste. The key regulations like the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. Further, the roles and functions of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs). You must also read about the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and its jurisdiction.

• Contemporary Issues - Stay updated about the current environment challenges such as air and water pollution, deforestation, wildlife trafficking and plastic waste. The legal responses to emerging environmental crises and the role of public interest litigation (PIL).

Therefore, focusing on these topics will provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental law and prepare you effectively for the CLAT PG exam.

Furthermore, effective note-making is also crucial for studying environmental law or any other subject, especially when preparing for competitive exams like CLAT PG.

• Organize your notes using headings, bullet points and numbering.

• Highlight the key information using highlighters and colour coding methods.

• Summarize and simplify the content, paraphrase in your own words and avoid long paragraphs while making notes.

• Include examples and case studies so deduce it in easier language.

• The usage of mind-maps, diagrams and charts will induce interest in reading.

You may also check others CLAT PG Topics