In Re: 2 Million Lives at Risk, Contamination in Jojari River, Rajasthan 2026 INSC 316 -Fundamental Right To Access Clean Drinking Water

Constitution of India - Article 21 - The right to access clean drinking water is an integral facet of the right to life under Article 21 and cannot be compromised on account of administrative inaction or environmental neglect. The State is, therefore, under a constitutional obligation to take immediate and effective measures to restore contaminated water sources, prevent further pollution of groundwater, and make adequate and sustainable arrangements for the supply of potable water to the affected areas, so as to safeguard public health and uphold the fundamental rights of the residents.(Para 52) [Context: The Supreme Court, in a suo motu writ concerning massive pollution of the Jojari, Bandi and Luni river systems in Rajasthan, finds grave and continuing environmental degradation caused by sustained regulatory failure, illegal industrial discharges, and inadequate sewage treatment, severely impacting water, soil, public health, and livelihoods. It endorses and elevates the directions of a High‑Level Ecosystem Oversight Committee, and issues extensive interim directions for upgradation and strict operation of CETPs/STPs on Zero Liquid Discharge principles, sealing of all illegal discharge points, closure and prosecution of violating industries, restoration of the natural river course, strengthening of oversight bodies, and provision of safe drinking water. The Court also directs reconstitution of remediation committees, considers creation of an environmental restoration and compensation fund, calls for a Multi‑Disciplinary Expert Assessment Panel, and requests the Rajasthan High Court to establish Special Courts in Jodhpur, Pali and Balotra for speedy trial of environmental offences]