Prosecution Challenges In Environmental Offenses: A Critical Analysis Of Criminal Sanctions Under The Environmental Protection Act, 1986

Author(s)	Mr. Gaurav Chauhan, Dr. Ankita Shukla
Country	India
Abstract	Environmental offenses pose an escalating threat to public health, ecological balance, and sustainable development in India. Despite a comprehensive legislative framework, the practical enforcement of criminal sanctions under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986 remains ineffective due to procedural, evidentiary, and institutional barriers. This research critically examines prosecution challenges, focusing on Sections 15, 16, and 19 of the Act, corporate criminal liability, regulatory capture, and evidentiary complexities. The study highlights the judiciary’s role through Public Interest Litigation and environmental jurisprudence in strengthening enforcement. It further proposes reforms including recognition of ecocide, specialized environmental criminal courts, and structural institutional changes to enhance deterrence and effective prosecution of environmental crimes.
Keywords	Environmental Offenses, Criminal Sanctions, Environmental Protection Act 1986, Corporate Liability, Public Interest Litigation, Environmental Crime, Prosecution Challenges
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-16

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International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research