State and District Legal Services Authorities Organize Conference on ‘Green Justice’; Supreme Court and High Court Judges Moved by Environmental Efforts in Piplantri

Jaipur : On Saturday, under the joint aegis of the State Legal Services Authority and the District Legal Services Authority, a “Legal Awareness Camp on Forest Conservation and Girl Child Protection” was organized in Piplantri village of Rajsamand, along with a conference in Nathdwara on the theme “Green Justice – Role of Legal Service Institutions for a Green and Clean Environment and Sustainable Development.”

The event was held in the august presence of Hon’ble Justice Shri B. R. Gavai and Justice Shri Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court of India, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Shri Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, and Member Secretary of Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority Shri Hariom Atri, among others.

All other judges of the Rajasthan High Court and secretaries of all District Legal Services Authorities in the state were also present. This was the first time such a large number of judges were present in a single district. This gathering not only spread the message of environmental conservation to the masses but also paved the way for future initiatives. Upon arrival, all judges participated in a tree plantation drive.

Later, from the stage, Justice B. R. Gavai quoted Saint Tukaram and called for protecting trees and plants as one’s own kin. He said there is no sweeter music than the chirping of birds. Justice Gavai described his visit to Piplantri as a pilgrimage and emphasized that a person living in a backward area has the same rights as someone living in a big city like New Delhi.

He shared details of a recent case from Telangana (Hyderabad) where the judiciary intervened in the felling of 100 out of 400 acres of forest. He asked, “Where will greed take us? If trees, rivers, and ponds are destroyed, mankind won’t survive either.” He thanked Shri Shyam Sunder Paliwal on behalf of the judiciary and said that Piplantri has spread the message of “Save the Daughter, Save the Environment” across the nation. NALSA is also committed in this direction, raising awareness in every corner of the country—from Manipur to Jharkhand.

Justice Sandeep Mehta of the Supreme Court read a message sent by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and said it was extremely inspiring for Piplantri. He expressed emotional admiration for the sacred work being done in Piplantri, which has been recognized by such a globally respected personality. He noted with pride that India is transitioning from a developing to a developed nation, and receiving blessings for Piplantri is a matter of honor.

Union Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal conveyed the message of environmental protection through a bhajan by Kabir Das, saying that Kabir compared water, ponds, and mountains to human beings. He recounted that when Shri Paliwal’s daughter tragically passed away, he did not give up but became a karmayogi, turning the region into a green haven in her memory. He added that the vision of Prime Minister Modi is already being implemented here.

During the event, the guests distributed tricycles to persons with disabilities, scholarship certificates to children of construction workers under the Construction Workers Skill Development Scheme, and cards under the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana.

Reflection on ‘Green Justice’ Held in Nathdwara:

In the conference held in Nathdwara on the theme “Green Justice – Role of Legal Service Institutions for a Green and Clean Environment and Sustainable Development,” judges shared their views. Justice Gavai highlighted the role of legal service institutions and cited several of his judgments related to environmental conservation. He also referenced the work of Savitribai Phule and Jyotiba Phule in the context of women’s education.

Justice Gavai said Dr. B. R. Ambedkar gave equal importance to social, economic, and political justice. He emphasized that along with tree plantation, their preservation and promotion are essential. If one tree is cut, at least ten new trees should be planted in its place. He praised the efforts of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority.

Union Minister Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal mentioned eminent personalities like Shri Sunderlal Bahuguna and Smt. Amrita Devi Bishnoi in his address. He noted that the shift from thermal to solar energy also represents green justice. He spoke about the importance of the five elements (Panch Tatva) and harmony between the human body and nature.

Justice Sandeep Mehta referred to Article 51(A) of the Constitution, highlighting the duty of citizens to protect the environment. He cited the positive impact of judicial intervention in the expansion of the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary.

Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Shri M. M. Shrivastava elaborated on environmental pollution and its harmful consequences and called for the creation of a permanent institution for green justice, comprising representatives from the judiciary, administration, and NGOs.

During the event, guests released the 2025–26 Action Plan and Calendar of the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority, a book documenting the authority’s journey, and a publication titled “Asha” focused on child marriage prevention. Environmentalist Shri Shyam Sunder Paliwal and child marriage prevention advocate Smt. Kriti Bharti shared their experiences and suggestions.