MC Chagla Memorial Lecture Explores Link Between Human Rights & Sustainable Development

Former Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Friday that human rights must go hand in hand with social and economic development.

Delivering the ninth Chief Justice MC Chagla Memorial Lecture, Justice Gavai highlighted the connection between fundamental freedoms and sustainable development goals.

He said political liberty loses meaning when people lack food, education, healthcare, livelihood and other basic conditions needed for a dignified life.

Justice Gavai stressed that economic growth alone cannot measure human progress. He questioned who benefits from development, what it seeks to achieve and who bears its costs.

Recalling his experience on the Supreme Court’s Green Bench, Justice Gavai described judicial decision-making as a balance between environmental protection and sustainable development.

He cited the creation of eco-sensitive zones near wildlife reserves and the replacement of human-pulled rickshaws in Matheran with battery-operated vehicles as examples of balancing environmental protection with livelihoods and worker dignity.

Justice Gavai said development must improve human dignity rather than focus only on economic gains. He stressed that environmental protection must preserve the conditions necessary for life across generations.

He said, “We hold the resources in trust for future generations,” and urged public institutions to involve people in decisions and provide remedies when their rights are violated.

The former Chief Justice also underlined the need to balance economic growth, environmental responsibility and social justice.

He said development policies should consider their impact on communities, workers and the environment. He also emphasised the role of public institutions in protecting rights and ensuring that people can participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods.

His remarks focused on ensuring that development benefits people while protecting natural resources and the rights of future generations.

Also Read: Justice BR Gavai Says Rights Are Meaningless Without A Dignified Life