SILF Climate Change Conference 2025 honours Justice Abhay S. Oka with Sustainability Award
New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) In a stirring convergence of law and environmental consciousness, the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) hosted the SILF Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 in New Delhi on World Environment Day, recognising the Indian judiciary's unwavering role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
The event was graced by Justice Sanjay Karol, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, as Chief Guest, and Justice Jasmeet Singh, Judge of the Delhi High Court, as Guest of Honour.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the SILF Sustainability Award 2025 to Justice Abhay S. Oka, former Supreme Court Judge, for his extraordinary contributions to environmental jurisprudence in India.
Delivering a powerful keynote, Justice Oka stated, 'Environmental justice cannot be separated from social and economic justice. Pollution and environmental degradation hurt the most vulnerable the hardest, affecting their dignity and the basic rights under Article 21 of our Constitution.'
He lamented the lack of recognition for environmental activists and emphasised the need to translate judicial principles into action.
'On World Environment Day, we must honour the unsung heroes of environmental protection and turn our ideals into tangible action,' he added.
Justice Jasmeet Singh stressed the urgency of the climate crisis and the judiciary's pivotal role: 'The crisis we face today is a consequence of unsustainable development. But landmark judgments like M.C. Mehta prove that environmental conservation and progress must coexist.'
He urged society to embrace sustainability as a path to innovation and collective prosperity, not merely a challenge.
'It is through collective effort that climate change can become a catalyst for resilient growth,' he said.
"We Belong to Mother Earth": Justice Sanjay Karol
Justice Sanjay Karol made an emotional plea for grassroots environmental action:
'We must stop viewing climate change as a problem to be solved later. It is a climate emergency now. The courts have done their part, now every citizen must rise to the occasion.'
He dismissed the notion that judicial activism hinders economic growth, asserting that both can progress in harmony to achieve constitutional goals of sustainability.
Dr. Lalit Bhasin, President of SILF and Chairman of the CII National Committee on Legal Services, applauded the judiciary's role. He said, 'The judgments of our courts have sown seeds of environmental accountability in India's governance landscape. These precedents are now the guiding light for lawmakers, regulators, and businesses alike.'
The Awards Ceremony honoured key individuals and organisations for championing sustainability, Justice Abhay S. Oka, Retired Supreme Court Judge, Dr. Bina Modi, Chairperson, Modi Enterprises, Meenakshi Arora, Senior Advocate, Prof. (Dr.) S. Shanthakumar, VC, Gujarat National Law University, Rajesh Jha, Regional Legal Director, South Asia, Reckitt India, Sharad Aggarwal, CEO, Godfrey Phillips India,
Additionally, Plaques of Honour were presented to Justice Karol and Justice Jasmeet Singh for their sustained commitment to environmental justice.
Engaging Panel Discussions on Judicial Responsibility, Two thematic panels 'Courts as Saviours of Clean Air, Trees, Rivers, Forests, and Climate in India' and 'Role of Judiciary in Balancing Economic Development and Sustainability'/featured rich dialogues by experts on how India's legal framework must evolve to address the country's ecological challenges.
The SILF Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 reaffirmed that law and climate responsibility are inextricably linked and that India's legal fraternity must remain at the forefront of environmental stewardship.
UNI SNG RN
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
28 minutes ago
- United News of India
Amit Shah virtually inaugurates NFSU and I-Hub in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, Jun 22 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah virtually inaugurated the temporary campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and I-Hub Raipur in Nava Raipur on Sunday. Shah said that this marks a historic day for Chhattisgarh in the direction of modernising and scientifying the criminal justice system. The NFSU temporary campus and I-Hub will be developed at a cost of Rs 268 crores. The campus will offer BSc, MSc in Forensic Science, Cyber Security, Psychology, Digital Forensic, and professional diploma courses from the academic session 2025-26. Shah highlighted that these institutions will not only empower Chhattisgarh but also the entire central India with modern justice and crime investigation capabilities. He added that new forensic technologies like DNA fingerprinting, cyber security, and digital forensic will be accessible locally, making investigations faster and more accurate. The Home Minister urged the youth to become entrepreneurs and start their own startups, leveraging the I-Hub's resources and support. He also praised the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma for their efforts in taking the anti-Naxalite campaign to a decisive phase. Shah appealed to Naxalites to surrender and join the development journey of Chhattisgarh. He assured that graduating from NFSU under the Modi government will guarantee employment. The NFSU's permanent campus is expected to be fully developed within three years, opening up vast career opportunities for Chhattisgarh's youth in forensic science. Shah underscored that the new criminal laws aim to ensure justice within three years and establish a modern, science-based criminal justice system. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and Deputy CM Vijay Sharma also spoke on the occasion, stressing the significance of NFSU and I-Hub in empowering the state's youth and strengthening law and order. UNI XC AKT RKM
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Delhi raises a toast to Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg
Ambassador of Luxembourg Peggy Frantzen with chief guest Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), MEA A gathering of diplomats and friends of the Embassy of Luxembourg came together at The Imperial, New Delhi, to celebrate the National Day of Luxembourg. The evening was filled with stimulating conversations and camaraderie over fine food and drinks. Celebrated to mark the official birthday of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the National Day reception began on a ceremonial note with the playing of the national anthems of both nations. Relationship of steel In her welcome address, Ambassador Peggy Frantzen said, "The National Day celebrations of 2025 are special, as it is the last one under the current head of state, Grand Duke Henri. This year also marks the completion of his 25 years of reign." Adding, she said, "I hope more people get to know about the friendly and amicable long-time relationship between India and Luxembourg. Cultural ties are evolving, with many artists travelling to showcase their talents, thereby strengthening people-to-people links. Our cooperation in the steel sector started over a 100 years ago and remains an important link and strong base of the India-Luxembourg relationship." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Ambassador of European Union Hervé Delphin and Ambassador of Ireland Kevin Kelly Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, who was the chief guest, said, "We send our warmest greetings to His Royal Highness and the people of Luxembourg. From the steel sector, which has been a core strength for a long time, our relationship with Luxembourg has expanded in investment and manufacturing in the fields of IT, fintech, and space. Culturally, with a large population of Indians in Luxembourg, many Indian festivals are celebrated there enthusiastically. " German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi Both the Ambassador and the chief guest remembered the late modernist artist Amarnath Sehgal, who played a pivotal role in cementing the artistic linkages and "promoting cultural understanding" between the two countries. VN Dalmia with the Ambassador of Japan ONO Keiichi As guests mingled, conversations ranged from art and culture to outer space, with many talking about the traditional savoury pie, Rieslingspaschtéit, that was served to the guests. Traditional rieslingspaschtéit and one of Amarnath Sehgal's sculptors On a lighter note, the Ambassador said that she is thankful that this summer in Delhi was a bearable one. "Compared to last summer, it was better this year. I am glad I can go out more and enjoy my walks in Lodhi Garden." Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk and Ambassador of Estonia Marje Luup
United News of India
43 minutes ago
- United News of India
PM Modi receives call from Iran President; calls for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy
New Delhi, June 22 (UNI) Amid the US joining the Israeli attacks on Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today received a call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who briefed him on the current situation. PM Modi, while expressing concern at the escalation, called for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward for restoration of regional peace and security. In a post on X, the PM said: 'Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. 'We discussed in detail about the current situation. 'Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.' A readout of the call, said that PM Modi 'received a telephone call from the President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian today'. "President Pezeshkian briefed PM in detail and shared his perspective on the current situation in the region, especially the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. "PM expressed India's deep concern at the recent escalations. PM conveyed that India was on the side of peace and humanity. In this context, PM emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. He reiterated India's support for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability. 'Prime Minister thanked President Pezeshkian for the continued support being extended for safe return and repatriation of the Indian community. The two leaders reiterated shared commitment to continue to work for strengthening bilateral cooperation in different areas including trade and economic cooperation, Science & Technology and people-to-people ties. 'They agreed to remain in touch.' The call between the two leaders came as US President Donald Trump said he had 'obliterated' Iran's main nuclear sites in strikes overnight, joining an Israeli assault in a major new escalation of conflict in the Middle East, even as Tehran vowed to defend itself. Iran termed the US attack a grave violation of international law that would have 'everlasting consequences'. 'Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest and people,' wrote Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a social media post, noting that the Israeli and US attacks on Iran came despite ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran. UNI RN
