Public Trust Doctrine in Environmental Law with case M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath | LLB, Judiciary, UPSC

In this video, we explore the *Public Trust Doctrine* – a powerful principle that says: *natural resources like rivers, lakes, forests, air, and beaches belong to the people, not to private owners.* We begin with a simple story: Imagine a beautiful lake in your city. Over time, the government allows a private company to build a resort on its shores. Slowly, the lake is blocked, polluted, and the public loses access. Is this allowed? The answer lies in the *Public Trust Doctrine**, which treats the **State as a trustee* of such resources for the benefit of all citizens, including future generations. What you’ll learn in this video: Meaning of the *Public Trust Doctrine* in simple language How the **State acts as a trustee**, not an absolute owner Origin from *Roman law* to *Indian environmental jurisprudence* Link with *Article 21, 48A, and 51A(g)* of the Constitution Landmark case: *M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1997)* – Beas River, motel, and environmental restoration Other important cases: *Fomento Resorts v. Minguel Martins (2009)* – beaches and public access *M.I. Builders v. Radhey Shyam Sahu (1999)* – public park vs shopping complex *Hinch Lal Tiwari v. Kamala Devi (2001)* – village pond as a community resource When does the State *violate* the Public Trust Doctrine? One‑line exam answer for LLB, Judiciary, UPSC, and AIBE This video is designed for: *LLB / BA LL.B students* (Environmental Law, Constitutional Law) *Judiciary aspirants* *UPSC / State PCS* (Polity + Environment) *AIBE* and other law entrance / competitive exams At the end, we also give a *short exam‑style conclusion* that you can directly use in answers. If this video helps you, don’t forget to *Like, Comment your doubts, Share with your friends, and Subscribe* for more law lectures. Suggested keywords / tags public trust doctrine, public trust doctrine environmental law, mc mehta v kamal nath, indian environmental law, article 21 right to environment, llb environmental law, judiciary environmental law notes, upsc environment and ecology, aibe environmental law, fomento resorts case, mi builders case, hinch lal tiwari case, state as trustee of natural resources, environmental law explained, indian constitution environment `#PublicTrustDoctrine #EnvironmentalLaw #IndianConstitution #LLB #Judiciary #UPSC #AIBE #MCMehta #RightToEnvironment #LawLecture`#2026 #