What is the role of courts in regulating water pollution?

The Supreme Court and High Courts along with the National Green Tribunal have made an immense contribution in the regulation of water pollution. The National Green Tribunal has legal authority over all civil cases raising a substantial question relating to the environment, including enforcement of any legal right relating to the environment. While the High Courts do not have absolute powers over the orders of the Tribunal, the Supreme Court is the ultimate authority over the orders of the Tribunal. The Supreme Court, High Courts and the National Green Tribunal have ruled on a number of cases relating to water pollution and enforced the proper implementation of the law. Decisions by the Courts have led to the cementing of ‘polluter’s pay principle’ and ‘the precautionary principle’ for the purposes of imposing liability onto the polluter or the potential polluter. The Courts have the power to enforce punishments for noncompliance of the orders of the Pollution Control Boards or any other violation of the law.