Article Abstract
International Journal of Advance Research in Multidisciplinary, 2026;4(1):285-289
Strengthening Corporate Environmental Governance in India: A Critical Analysis of Regulatory Enforcement, Judicial Trends and Sustainable Corporate Accountability
Author : Anjan Kumar Dutta and Dr. Narendra Kumar Singh
Abstract
Environmental governance has become a critical component of sustainable economic development in India. Rapid industrialization, urban expansion and increasing exploitation of natural resources have generated significant environmental challenges, including air and water pollution, hazardous waste generation, biodiversity loss and climate-related risks. While India has enacted several environmental statutes and established regulatory institutions to address these concerns, the effectiveness of environmental governance largely depends upon efficient enforcement, judicial oversight and responsible corporate conduct. In recent years, the concept of corporate environmental governance has expanded beyond mere legal compliance to include sustainability, transparency, environmental risk management and corporate accountability. This paper critically examines the existing regulatory framework governing environmental protection in India and analyses the role of regulatory authorities, courts and corporate governance mechanisms in ensuring environmental compliance. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical research methodology based on constitutional provisions, statutory laws, judicial decisions and scholarly literature. It finds that although India's environmental laws are comprehensive, practical enforcement continues to face challenges such as weak inspections, procedural delays, inadequate technical expertise and inconsistent compliance monitoring. The paper concludes that strengthening institutional capacity, encouraging corporate self-regulation, promoting digital monitoring systems and enhancing judicial support are essential for achieving sustainable environmental governance and long-term ecological protection.
Keywords
Corporate Environmental Governance, Environmental Compliance, Sustainable Development, Environmental Law, Regulatory Enforcement, Judicial Trends, Corporate Accountability, Environmental Protection