Water Sector Reforms and Courts in India: Lessons from the Evolving Case Law

Abstract

This article analyses the evolving Indian case law concerning water, with a special focus on the fundamental right to water, as well as issues related to control over water, and the links between environment and water. While courts have long engaged with water law, activities in recent years have been particularly important because of the introduction of water sector reforms and water law reforms that seek to reshape the water sector. The response of courts to these developments is particularly important. However, there has been no unified response to ongoing changes as Indian courts have given varying responses to the variety of cases submitted to them.