AP Pollution Control Board v. Nayudu

This case involved a proposed Castor Oil factory in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The application to build the factory was rejected because the A.P. Pollution Control Board concluded that the proposed factory's proximity to two lakes threatened water supplies.

The case was ultimately decided in favor of the A.P. Pollution Control Board. The precautionary principle was a major factor in the decision with the court ruling that the burden of proof fell on those proposing the factory to show that pollution would not result from their operations.

Background
This case involved a proposed Castor Oil factory in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The application to build the factory was rejected because the A.P. Pollution Control Board concluded that the proposed factory's proximity to two lakes threatened water supplies.

Relevant Laws and Principles

 * Precautionary Principle
 * Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
 * The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Ruling
The case was ultimately decided in favor of the A.P. Pollution Control Board. The court ruled that the Water Act of 1974 didn't allow the state to make an exception for polluting industries to locate within certain off-limits areas.

Takeaways
This case sets an important precedent for the precautionary principle in Indian law.