Event Title: Virtual Panel Discussion on Landmark Climate Change Judgments
Organized by: Research Committee, Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS)

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Introduction
The Research Committee of Vinayaka Mission’s Law School (VMLS) organized a virtual panel discussion on recent landmark judgments by the Supreme Court of India and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The discussion focused on two significant cases: M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (The Great Indian Bustard case) and Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland (KlimaSeniorinnen). These judgments hold immense importance in the legal landscape of climate change.

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Objectives

• To analyze the implications of recent landmark climate change judgments.
• To provide a platform for experts to discuss the legal, social, and environmental impacts of these rulings.
• To engage students and professionals in understanding the evolving jurisprudence on climate change.

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Panelists and Moderators

The panel comprised the following experts:

• Loes van Dijk: Founder, Climate Court
• Prayank Jain: International Legal and Climate Expert, SED Fund
• Kanika J.: Doctoral Candidate at the Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore
• Shashi Kant Yadav: Doctoral Researcher (Law), University of Surrey

The discussion was moderated by:

• Shambhavi T.: Assistant Professor, VMLS
• Ananyo Mitra: Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean – Research, VMLS

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Overview of the Judgments

M.K. Ranjitsinh v. Union of India (The Great Indian Bustard case):

This case addressed the critical issue of protecting the endangered Great Indian Bustard. The Supreme Court of India delivered a judgment that emphasized the need for immediate and stringent measures to conserve this species and its habitat. Key points discussed included:

• The legal obligations of the Indian government under national and international law to protect endangered species.
• The role of environmental impact assessments in preventing habitat destruction.
• The broader implications of the judgment for wildlife conservation in India.

Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland (KlimaSeniorinnen):

The ECHR’s judgment in this case underscored the responsibility of governments to address climate change and its impacts on vulnerable populations. The discussion highlighted:

• The court’s recognition of the direct impact of climate change on human rights, particularly the rights of elderly women.
• The significance of this ruling in holding governments accountable for their climate policies.
• The potential influence of this judgment on future climate litigation in Europe and globally.

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Key Discussion Points

Legal Implications:

• Analysis of how these judgments set new precedents in environmental law.
• The role of judicial activism in shaping climate policy.

Social and Environmental Impact:

• The impact of these rulings on local communities and ecosystems.
• The broader societal implications of judicial decisions on climate change.

Future Directions:

• Potential challenges in implementing these judgments.
• The role of continued legal advocacy in advancing climate justice.

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Interactive Session
The panel discussion was followed by an interactive session where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the panelists. This segment fostered a lively exchange of ideas and allowed for deeper exploration of the topics covered.

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Conclusion
The virtual panel discussion provided valuable insights into the landmark judgments on climate change by the Supreme Court of India and the ECHR. The Research Committee of VMLS extends its gratitude to the distinguished panelists, moderators, and participants for their contributions to a successful and enlightening event.