S. Jagannathan vs. Union of India, (1997) 2 SCC 87

The case challenges shrimp farming, contending that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and environmental testing is needed for shrimp farms. The Petitioner asked the court to ban intensive and semi-intensive shrimp farming in ecologically fragile zones.

The Supreme Court noted the depressing socio-economic losses and environmental degradation caused by shrimp farming in coastal regions. The Supreme Court highlighted the constitutional provisions, statutory provisions and international obligations flowing from the Stockholm Conference. The Supreme Court also reiterated the precautionary and polluter pays principle, and principles of sustainable development and inter-generational equity. The shrimp industry must adhere to strict environment testing, including EIA. The Court ordered the central government to constitute an authority under the environmental protection Act, 1986 for the protection of ecologically fragile coastal areas, seashore, waterfront and other coastal areas and deal especially with the shrimp culture industry in the coastal States.