General Secretary, West Pakistan Salt Miners Labour Union vs. The Director, Industries and Mineral Development, Punjab, 1994 SCMR 2016 (Pakistan)

The Petitioners challenged the grant of mining leases dangerously close to the main water source of the area. It was shown in arguments before the Court that the grant of leases for mining was forbidden within 50 meters of the water catchment area. The importance of protecting the water source in this area was recognized as far back as 1911 by the British and letters were placed on the record to confirm this fact. The Court found that mining activities too close to the water catchment area could result in polluting the water source. Excessive underground mining activity could also cause the springs to dry up by making the water leak through the mines.

The Court expounded upon the right to life, noting that water is considered as the source of life all over the world, and a life without water would not be a life as a fundamental right. It ordered the government coal company responsible for development of the area to shift the location of certain mines located too close to the water source and appointed a Commission with powers of inspection and other powers under the Code of Civil Procedure to ensure that the mine was shifted as ordered.