The judiciary has played a pivotal role in the protection of the environment in India, particularly in situations where legislative and executive actions have been inadequate or ineffective. Through innovative interpretations of constitutional provisions, expansion of fundamental rights, and active judicial interventions, Indian courts have significantly contributed to environmental governance. At the same time, this role has generated debates regarding judicial overreach, implementation challenges, and democratic accountability. One of the most significant contributions of the judiciary lies in its interpretation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life. The Supreme Court has consistently held that the right to life includes the right to live in a clean and healthy environment. Landmark judgments such as Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra v. State of Uttar Pradesh and Subhash Kumar v. State of Bihar established environmental quality as an essential component of fundamental rights. By constitutionalizing environmental protection, the judiciary empowered citizens to seek remedies directly through writ petitions, thereby strengthening environmental justice. The evolution of Public Interest Litigation has further enhanced judicial intervention in environmental matters. PILs have enabled courts to address issues affecting large sections of society,