Narmada Bachao Andolan vs. Union of India, 2000 (10 SCC 664)

The Petitioners alleged that the Sardar Sarovar Dam affected their right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. The land for the dam was obtained through compulsory acquisition, and tribal communities were displaced and their land would be submerged.

The court rejected the petition because the benefits of the dam far outweighed the environmental disruption and there were measures in place to compensate and rehabilitate displaced people. Further, the dam would not result in any ecological disaster, making this case different from a pollution case. Nevertheless, the court directed the Narmada Control Authority to continue environmental monitoring. Moreover, the States concerned should give relief and rehabilitation packages to the displaced people.